Poland establishes buffer zone on border with Belarus - Tusk

Photo: Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland (Getty Images)

The Polish government has decided to introduce a buffer zone on the border with Belarus amid attempts of migrants to enter the country illegally, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The Prime Minister described the outcome of the Polish government's offsite meeting held in the city of Bialystok (located 50 kilometers from the border with Belarus).

“We have adopted a resolution, the practical consequence of which is a decree of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration to create a buffer zone on the border with Belarus,” Tusk said.

According to him, the Polish government wants to complicate the entry of illegal migrants from Belarus and ensure good working conditions for border guards and military personnel.

“We are talking about several tens of kilometers, 200 meters deep. There are places in the reserves where this zone will extend two kilometers deep, but these are not long areas. This is related to the presence of smugglers, who operate mostly in forests, 1-2 kilometers from the border. In these places, the zone will be wider,” the official said.

According to him, the Polish authorities should use all methods to prevent migrants sent by the authorities of Russia and Belarus from crossing the border illegally.

"We will not back down on this," Tusk emphasized.

What happened before

The situation in Poland near the border with Belarus is difficult due to the influx of illegal migrants.

In particular, migrants recently attacked Polish soldiers during an attempt to cross the border illegally. One of them died as a result of a stab wound.

Against this background, the Polish authorities decided to hold a meeting of the National Security Council.