Poland Closes Belarus Border Ahead of Russia-Led Drills

Poland will shut its border with Belarus at midnight on Thursday in response to the Russia-led Zapad-2025 military exercises, as authorities also detained a Belarusian spy and discovered a crashed drone near Terespol today.

Key developments:

  • Shutdown of all crossings, including rail, for “national security” during Zapad-2025 drills
  • Arrest of a Belarusian agent and expulsion of a diplomat for espionage facilitation
  • Discovery of an unarmed drone with Cyrillic markings near the Terespol border crossing

Nut Graf

Prime Minister Donald Tusk ordered the closure to counter what he described as “highly aggressive” joint manoeuvres by Russian and Belarusian forces slated to begin on Friday. The move underscores Warsaw’s heightened alert amid escalating tensions on NATO’s eastern flank and follows tangible threats from airspace incursions and espionage activities.

Border Closure and Military Exercises

Prime Minister Tusk announced during a cabinet meeting that the Zapad-2025 drills, involving simulations of nuclear weapon use and hypersonic missile tests close to Poland’s frontier, posed a direct threat to Polish citizens. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński added that crossings will reopen only once the government deems the threat has passed.

NATO allies Lithuania and Latvia have similarly bolstered border security, while the alliance is conducting parallel exercises in the region. Warsaw cited the exercises’ proximity to the Suwałki Gap-a strategic corridor linking the Baltic states to the rest of NATO-as a key concern.

Espionage and Diplomatic Measures

On Tuesday, Polish counterintelligence apprehended a Belarusian national accused of gathering classified documents related to the Zapad drills. The government plans to expel a Belarusian diplomat who allegedly facilitated these activities, marking the latest tit-for-tat in Minsk-Warsaw relations.

Drone Incident Near Terespol

Separately, Lublin prosecutors confirmed the discovery of an unarmed drone bearing Cyrillic inscriptions about 300 meters from the Terespol crossing. No explosives were found, and no injuries were reported. The incident follows multiple airspace violations attributed to Russian drones probing Poland’s defences.

Regional and NATO Response

Poland’s decisive actions reflect its role as a frontline NATO member in deterring further Russian aggression. The border closure and security enhancements by Lithuania demonstrate allied cohesion in facing shared threats. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has praised member vigilance and reaffirmed support for Poland’s sovereign measures.