Occasionally, provocations from the regime cross the line, and this instance is no exception. This marks a response to a firm protest over Belarusian helicopters violating Polish airspace a few weeks earlier, stated Mariusz Kamiński, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, on September 2.
In Chełm on September 2, Kamiński was asked about reports involving a Polish MI-24 helicopter crossing the Polish-Belarusian border. He acknowledged the incident and spoke about the broader tensions with Belarus, noting that provocations persist from the regime. He described the event as part of a pattern, not a one-off episode.
Kaminski stressed that the situation demands close vigilance over developments in Belarus. He recalled the ongoing Russian troop maneuvers near the border, including areas close to Brest, underlining the risk environment surrounding the region.
He asserted that substantial forces have been mobilized to respond swiftly and appropriately should the situation evolve. The minister also highlighted strong political backing, including recent discussions with Baltic interior ministers. Lithuania and Latvia, which share borders with Belarus, face similar challenges. Leaders from their states were instructed by heads of government to act in concert, with the expectation that any serious or critical incident would prompt immediate, collective responses.
The expansion of security cooperation to include Scandinavian partners was noted as a forthcoming priority. Planned discussions with Finland and Norway, both neighbor states to Russia, were mentioned as part of broadening this international framework.
Allies are prepared, Kaminski said, citing recent talks with Avril Haines, the U.S. coordinator of intelligence services and a senior advisor to President Biden. The conversations covered Belarus, the Wagner group, and potential provocations, with a shared readiness to respond to negative scenarios if needed.
Kaminski emphasized the importance of speaking openly about these matters to make the regime understand that any provocation will carry a high price. When questioned about an official response to Belarusian allegations, he noted that such matters fall under the Foreign Ministry and diplomatic procedures.
The Belarusian State Border Committee had reported on September 1 that a Polish Armed Forces Mi-24 helicopter allegedly violated Belarusian airspace. The claim described the aircraft moving at very low altitude, crossing into Belarus at a distance of about 1,200 meters before returning to Poland. The incident was linked to the Brzostowice region within the Grodno area, as reported by Reuters and AFP through Belarusian authorities. The report has been noted in ongoing discussions among regional security authorities.
In related context, authorities have discussed potential actions, including opening previously closed border crossings with Belarus under certain conditions, and the broader stance of the state on border integrity and regional cooperation. The situation remains under careful review as the political leadership coordinates across alliance networks to address any future incidents.
Allies ready
Kaminski remarked on recent conversations with international partners to align information sharing and strategy. Through these channels, the aim is to ensure a unified approach to any future provocations and to maintain stability in a highly sensitive border region.
He also pointed out that the public discourse on these matters serves to deter potential provocateurs by signaling a clear, united stance from allied nations. Any questions about formal responses would be handled through appropriate diplomatic channels and ministries, ensuring measured and lawful procedures are followed.
In conclusion, authorities are monitoring the border situation with heightened attention, coordinating with regional partners to safeguard airspace and territorial integrity. The overarching message is one of readiness, solidarity, and a shared commitment to stability across the eastern flank of Europe.