New tensions at the Belarusian-Polish border
Poland accused the Belarusian government of planning a "major provocation" by encouraging a large group of migrants to cross the Polish border on Monday.
"Belarus wants to cause a major incident, preferably with shots fired and casualties," Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk told Polish public radio.
His statement came after the Polish Defense Ministry published a video of the migrant group nearing the border town of Kuznica.
On the border between Belarus and Poland, the number of migrants from the Middle East heading to the European Union is increasing.
According to preliminary estimates, several hundred refugees were heading for the border. Among the migrants were children.
Poland accuses Belarusian authorities of trying to escalate border conflict. According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, a great provocation has already taken place at the border today.
The Polish Foreign Ministry has accused the Belarusian authorities of trying to escalate the border conflict due to the huge number of migrants heading to the Polish border. It was announced by Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Piotr Wawrzyk.
"The Belarusian authorities are seeking an escalation of the conflict, which will lead to at least one side's death," he said.
According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, a great provocation has already taken place at the border today. "It looks like there will be an attempt to cross the border by force," Wawrzyk said, adding that the Polish side was ready for such a scenario.
Since the summer, Poland has been under increasing pressure of migrants from the Middle East and Africa trying to cross into the EU. Poland is blocking these attempts or sending those who cross back into Belarus.
Warsaw and the EU say it’s an organized action by the Belarusian government aimed at destabilizing the bloc in retaliation for Western sanctions.
Poland’s Border Guard has reported incidents of hostile behavior and threats by Belarusian forces directed across the border at Polish forces.
