Belarus Dışişleri Bakanlığı, Polonya’nın “Zapad-2025” manevraları nedeniyle sınırını geçici olarak kapatma kararını sert bir şekilde eleştirdi. Minsk, Polonya’nın bu eylemlerini “yasa dışı” ve “haklı gerekçesi olmayan” olarak nitelendirdi ve Polonya Maslahatgüzarı Krzysztof Ożannę Bakanlığa çağırdı.
Belarusian Ministry Criticizes Polish Border Closure
Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minimum Sendytǐ Spraw Zagranicznych) stated that the decision to suspend pedestrian and freight traffic on Polish territory constitutes “geographical abuse”. Belarusian authorities say the measure hampers international connections, harming countries in both the east and the west. They describe the step as unjustified amid Belarus’s transparent military exercises.
Polish actions are said to disturb the EU‑Belarus border, obstructing normal flow of people and goods. Officials claim Poland seeks to conceal its own operations, inflating regional tensions. The position was forwarded to the EU chargé d’affaires interim in Belarus, Steenowi Norłowowi. The EU diplomat noted that Polish measures will be reviewed to assess their appropriateness and the real threat level.
Poland Defends Border Closure as Security Measure
Polish authorities emphasize that the closure, including rail crossings, is temporary and linked to safety amid the ongoing Russia‑Belarus “Zapad‑2025” maneuvers. Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the drills’ aggressive nature and their scenario involving NATO states.
General Roman Polko told Gazeta.pl that each “Zapad” cycle concluded with escalation aimed at Europe, and that scenarios also foretell rocket attacks on NATO bases.
“Zapad‑2025” Drill Scenarios
The exercises assume hostile actions against NATO, including missile strikes on bases, and plan the use of hypersonic missiles and a nuclear attack simulation.
Timeline of the Operation
The maneuvers begin on 12 September in Belarus and will run until 16 September.