Guarding the safety of the Poles

Soldiers as well as Border Guard and Police officers are protecting the Polish-Belarusian border of the European Union every day. During the meeting, the Head of the Government has thanked them for their service: “It has to be emphasised that the measure of a state’s sovereignty is the tightness of its borders and the defence of its territory. Our soldiers are fulfilling these goals in an exemplary manner. The entire Poland is proud of you. Thank you for being here and protecting our borders during this difficult time right before Christmas.”

The Prime Minister has also taken part in a briefing together with representatives of uniformed services. “Today, in addition to meeting with local government officials, I have spoken with soldiers. The Colonels and Generals have shown me how the defence is proceeding,” he informed. He added that all necessary equipment has already reached the border. We will also soon commence the construction of a barrier, which is an effective defence tool.

Responsible actions on the part of Polish uniformed services

“It can be said that the border between Poland and Belarus separates two worlds: dictatorship and democracy. It separates a normal state which cares about its citizens from a regime which makes use of human shields,” stressed Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. The Head of the Government added that Polish officers are helping all people in need on our side of the border. “As soon as people who need help are found by soldiers, they are taken to hospitals or given assistance in temporary centres. We are grateful to our soldiers and officers for their empathy and commitment to all people,” he stated.

Meeting with local government officials from the border zone

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has met with local government officials from the border zone. Talks concerned primarily the current situation at the eastern border of the European Union, but also support for residents in these areas.

“The local communities in the border zone feel the threats and inconveniences related to operations at the border between Poland and Belarus particularly strongly, which is why I have once again met with local government officials from border zone gminas to assure them of the Government’s support,” informed the Prime Minister. To ensure the safety of citizens, appropriate forces and resources are being constantly directed to the Polish-Belarusian border of the European Union. Entrepreneurs from the border zone are also receiving financial support.

International solidarity is the key to counteracting the pressure from the East

The hybrid attacks staged by Alexander Lukashenko’s regime have been condemned by the international community. Many leaders, heads of governments, representatives of states and international organisations have expressed their support for the decisive and effective actions on the part of the Polish Government and the services protecting the external border of NATO and of the European Union.

“We have taken a number of diplomatic actions. Some migrants are already returning to the East. There is a chance that the regime will retreat, but we have no idea what are it and its head actually thinking,” stressed the Prime Minister.

So far, the Head of the Polish Government has spoken about the situation at the eastern border of the European Union with, among others, the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Great Britain, Germany, France and Norway. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has also spoken with Prime Ministers of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The diplomatic actions taken to date by Poland have been successful: even now, far fewer migrants are reaching Belarus. The Head of the Polish Government has also recently met with Avril Haines, U.S. Director of National Intelligence. They have agreed that there is a need for close cooperation in the scope of security at the eastern flank of NATO.