POLOWCE, Poland — As Poland assumes its six-month presidency of the European Union, security concerns take center stage amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The challenges along the border with Belarus are particularly pronounced, illustrating the complexities of safeguarding the EU’s integrity and values. About 13,000 border guards and soldiers are stationed along the roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) of boundary that now serve as a buffer zone following Belarus’ ally Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Enhanced security measures are also in place on the northern front with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.
Poland plays a crucial role as the primary logistical supporter of Ukraine, providing a transit route for a significant amount of Western military supplies. At the same time, Russia is utilizing Belarus as a base for its military actions. The border area near Po?owce is fortified with a towering 5.5-meter (18-foot) steel barrier, topped with razor wire and surveillance cameras, delineating what were once friendly communities turned suspicious adversaries. Drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles survey the area, ensuring tight security.
Currently, the border crossing is closed, and on January 16, a group of 60 international journalists observed security operations, with around 40 personnel present. The area is obstructed with layers of concrete barriers and concertina wire aimed at deterring potential invasions. Polish officials contend that these measures are necessary as both Russia and Belarus engage in a unique form of hybrid warfare, allegedly orchestrating mass migrations from regions such as Africa and the Middle East to provoke instability within Poland and the wider European region.
Warsaw’s government has responded by tightening visa regulations and suspending asylum rights amid mass border crossings allegedly facilitated by Belarusian and Russian authorities. “We have tightened our visa policy, and above all we have decided to suspend the right to asylum wherever we are dealing with mass border crossings organized by Belarus and Russia,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressing reporters last week.
Last year, near 30,000 illegal attempts to cross the border were reported, primarily involving young men from countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, who often arrive in Belarus on temporary visas. They are believed to be assisted by security services in Belarus for substantial fees. Polish officials claim that the crossings are organized by networks that include Ukrainians who have recently fled their own conflict.
Conflicts at the border have resulted in violence, with Polish border guards asserting that they are often attacked. Instances of slingshots, small explosives, and other threats have emerged, contributing to an increase in hospitalizations among border personnel. Col. Andrzej Stasiulewicz, a senior guard, stated that discouraging migrants has proven increasingly difficult. “Warning shots don’t work, so force is needed,” he remarked, as he shared video evidence depicting clashes at the border.
Conversely, the medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders highlights a contrasting narrative, claiming to have treated over 400 individuals since November 2022, many of whom are stranded in inhospitable forest conditions and subjected to violence. Patients have been diagnosed with exhaustion, hypothermia, and psychological distress, with reports of physical abuse becoming more prevalent. However, verifying such assertions remains challenging, as the region is heavily restricted.
Poland categorically refutes any allegations of “pushbacks” — the forced denial of asylum — asserting instead that individuals seeking entry are simply being “turned back” to Belarus. The Norwegian Refugee Council and other humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns over what they label as “violent pushbacks,” noting that such practices infringe on international legal protections for asylum seekers.
Polish officials maintain that their border strategies are effective, citing a dramatic drop in asylum applications. A proposed law currently under review aims to close borders for 60 days in instances where mass crossings occur or if individuals display violent behavior toward border personnel. “If anyone uses violence against the border guards, we close the border,” asserted Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk.
However, organizations like Doctors Without Borders caution that these policies could have severe consequences for refugees and migrants. They have called for a reevaluation of Poland’s approach to ensure humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum. Coinciding with these developments, EU leadership affirmed Poland’s border control measures at a recent summit, offering member states on the eastern frontier the ability to restrict migrant protections when faced with alleged external manipulation.
The intersection of security and migration policies has become heavily politicized. With elections on the horizon, Tusk has positioned strict migration policies as a means to enhance his party’s standing against nationalistic rivals. He underscores the importance of demonstrating that democratic nations can effectively guard against illegal migration. “If we do not want to hand over these matters to radicals, extremists, populists, we must find the right answers,” Tusk stated, emphasizing that the security of Poland equates to the security of Europe as a whole.
