Poland ready to close all border crossings with Russia and Belarus

Poland is ready to close all border crossings with Russia and Belarus, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters.

“We are ready, if necessary, to close all border crossings on the eastern border. We already have the equipment for this,” RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

The official added that Poland’s security services already have “stockpiles, fortifications and defensive structures” for this purpose.

The minister said these stockpiles were being accumulated as part of the “East Shield” programme.

For his part, Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk said Poland was prepared to close its border crossings with Russia and Belarus within seven to 14 days. He added that Poland was, among other things, purchasing mines for this purpose.

Poland launched the “East Shield” programme in 2024, with $2.5 billion planned to be allocated to it over four years. Through the programme, Polish authorities intend to build military infrastructure along the eastern flank of the country’s borders with Russia and Belarus.