Belarusian helicopters violated Polish airspace. Helicopters were spotted over the city of Białowieża, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, near the Polish-Belarusian border. The Ministry of National Defense of Poland confirmed the information.
The helicopters flew from Belarus to Poland near the village of Hrudky, went about three kilometers inland, turned around, and flew over Białowieża. Open-source researchers established the flight path. Residents also noticed helicopters above the roofs of houses.
In response, Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense of Poland, ordered an increase in the number of troops on the border and the deployment of additional forces and assets, including combat helicopters.
“Russia and Belarus have intensified their hybrid actions against Poland recently. Given the possibility of further provocations, we appeal for responsible dissemination and commenting of information that can be used by the Russian and Belarusian regime,” Poland’s statement to NATO says.
The United States of America reacted to the incident. “We will continue to take NATO’s security very seriously and we will continue to work together with our NATO allies to ensure that every square inch of NATO remains safe,” the Pentagon said.
Currently, mercenaries of the Wagner terrorist organization are in Belarus and are conducting joint drills with the Belarusian armed forces. Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland, announced on July 29 that Russian mercenaries are moving towards the Suwałki Gap. This territory connects Poland with the Baltic States and separates the Kaliningrad Oblast and Belarus territories.
Earlier, the National Resistance Center, citing the resistance among the military of Belarus, reported that Wagner is looking for Belarusians ready to fight against Lithuania and Poland.
Cover: Eliza Kowalczyk
