When security concerns rise, the question of border closures often moves to the foreground. Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński spoke on Tuesday about the possibility of completely sealing the border with Belarus if circumstances require it. He emphasized readiness to take such steps should the situation demand it, while noting that any decision would be based on ongoing analysis rather than politics alone. The message was clear: if security threats grow, policy responses could include closing routes to Belarus to protect national interests.
Earlier, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration announced adjustments to traffic at border crossings after Belarus restricted Polish airlines from crossing certain border areas. As a result, Belarusian cargo traffic at the Kukuryki-Kozłowicze crossing was prioritized, while movement at other points, including cross-border routes with Lithuania and Latvia, faced heightened scrutiny.
Will the Polish authorities completely close the border with Belarus?
In an appearance on Channel One of Polish Radio, Jabłoński was asked whether a total border closure with Belarus could happen. He replied that such a measure would be considered if needed, and that decisions would be guided by security assessments rather than political calculus. He also stressed that authorities would continuously evaluate the situation, prepared to act if analysis signals an escalating threat to national safety.
He explained that some carriers might still find ways to move goods that fall outside embargoes, but stressed that growing security concerns could trigger a firm response.
Relations between Minsk and Warsaw grew tense after Belarus announced restrictions on Polish carriers in response to border actions. Minsk stated that Polish operators could cross only the Polish-Belarusian segment of the border and would be blocked from using Belarusian crossings with Lithuania and Latvia. The Polish interior minister, Mariusz Kamiński, commented on these announcements and warned that Poland would mirror Belarusian measures should Polish airlines be similarly restricted.
Border guards clarified the situation on the ground: Polish carriers are currently prevented from using the Lithuanian-Belarusian and Latvian-Belarusian border segments, with checks limited to the Kukuryki-Koroszczyn crossing. Officials noted that traffic through other Belarusian border routes remains restricted for Polish trucks, forcing operations to consolidate at Kukuryki-Koroszczyn.
In recent days, officials have outlined the broader context: for more than a year, the border crossing at Bobrowniki has been closed, following security considerations. The Grodno region had previously hosted the last open crossing for goods in Podlasie, but that route has since been shut. Since November 2021, major crossings such as Kuźnica have remained closed due to migration-related concerns, leaving only a few open lines like Terespol for passenger transport and Koroszczyn-Kukuryki for freight in the eastern regions.
Poland’s position has been reinforced by statements from high-level officials about the seriousness of the state’s security interests. The government has repeatedly signaled willingness to adjust border operations in response to evolving threats, and has indicated that it believes Belarus bears responsibility for actions that complicate regional stability. The ongoing stalemate reflects broader tensions between the two countries and underscores the priority given to national security in border policy. [Citation: wPolityce]