Poland is increasing the number of soldiers deployed on its eastern border with Belarus to 10,000 as tensions continue to rise on the border due to the presence of Russian mercenaries in the country, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced on Thursday.
“We are increasing the number of our troops on the Polish-Belarusian border; eventually, 10,000 soldiers will defend the Polish border in this sector,” Błaszczak said on Polish Radio.
The head of the Polish Ministry of National Defense (MON) was asked on Thursday about the appeal adopted at a meeting of the command of the Patriotic Forces of the Republic of Belarus, supporting Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
“Your politicians, consumed by a frenzy of chauvinism, with their actions and rhetoric, are igniting the flames of war. (…) We are determined to defend our home, our families. History has many examples of how Belarusians repelled an invasion from the West. Don’t be in a hurry to experience it firsthand,” the appeal addressed to the Polish people read.
Błaszczak did not rule out that this appeal heralds further provocations on the Polish-Belarusian border. “That’s why we decided to move troops closer to the border, to deter the aggressor,” he explained.
He also recalled that in 2021 the government had anticipated an attack on the border. “We were aware that there could be provocations, and in the summer, we began constructing a temporary barrier,” he said, reminding that in November 2021, there was a frontal attack on the Polish border.
Asked if he would increase the military presence on the Polish-Belarusian border, Błaszczak replied that the final number of Polish soldiers in this region would be similar to that of 2021. “It will be about 10,000 soldiers.”
As he explained, 4,000 troops will be involved in supporting the Border Guard operation and the remaining 6,000 will be in reserve. The soldiers “will be perfecting their skills in garrisons re-established in eastern Poland by the PiS government,” he added.
