The Poland and Belarus border crisis

Top lines

Polish authorities estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 migrants are currently encamped at the Poland-Belarus border, trapped between authorities from both countries. 

Approximately 13 migrants have died amid increasingly challenging circumstances of freezing temperatures and dwindling supplies. Despite this, Polish authorities have used tear gas and water cannons against migrants attempting to cross the border. 

European Union (EU) officials have described the crisis as a hybrid war, manufactured by the Belarusian government under Lukashenko in retaliation to sanctions levied against the country following the country’s much-contested election results.

Described as ‘the gates to the EU’, Poland must balance its long-term security commitments to NATO and the EU, with domestic immigration policy. NATO continues to play an important role in the ongoing crisis, therefore highlighting the need for the UK to commit to de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.  

At least 10 British troops have already been sent to the Polish border to provide engineering support, with UK defence secretary Ben Wallace promising an additional 100 service-people on top of this. This action follows condemnation from both the UK government and Labour Party of the Lukashenko regime’s perpetuation of the crisis. 

Photo: Sviciaz' Lake, Navahrudak, Hrodna Oblast, Belarus, 16 November 2016. Konrad Lembcke via Flickr.