Poland continues to monitor developments around migration flows that could be influenced by external actors, according to statements from Stanisław Żaryn, the Deputy Minister Coordinator of Special Services. He shared his observations on Platform to travel, describing a hybrid operation aimed at destabilising the borders of Belarus with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Żaryn cautioned that Russia remains concerned with diminishing Western stability by enabling an artificial migration route. He noted that new information suggests these efforts could be intensified in the near term.
“Migration-related actions are being reinforced,” he stated, adding that in recent days more materials encouraging migration have appeared. The materials target various groups, including individuals from Arab countries, urging them to travel to Europe, with several advertisements indicating travel routes through Russia.
Żaryn, who coordinates intelligence and security measures, emphasized that since the start of the hybrid activity affecting Poland, the migration route has been a persistently stimulated channel.
“Travel agencies, state bodies in Russia and Belarus, state carriers, and security services—various institutions are involved in efforts that influence Eastern Europe,” he said.
The Border Guard reported on a Saturday briefing that 77 people attempted to cross the Belarusian-Polish border illegally within the previous 24 hours, aiming to reach Poland. Among them were individuals from Morocco, South Africa, and Iran, with 39 of these people returning to Belarus after encountering Polish patrols. In 2023, migrants stopped at this border by Podlaskie Border Guard officers originated from more than 50 countries.
Along the 186-kilometre border with Belarus, a five-and-a-half-meter-high steel barrier erected in 2022 stands as a central measure to secure the frontier against illegal crossings. This barrier is complemented by a system of cameras and sensors installed 206 kilometres away from the border, fully operated by Polish border services.
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Source: wPolityce