Poland to erect defensive lines along border with Belarus, Russia

Poland is set to construct the first elements of defensive fortifications along its borders with Russia and Belarus by the end of the year, said Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczy, as reported by Reuters. This initiative is part of the East Shield project, a Polish government national defense initiative.

“In the next three weeks, we will be able to carry out the first tests of the East Shield elements on Polish military training grounds, and this year we will start building the first elements … on the northern and eastern borders,” Tomczy stated.

The project will involve cooperation with Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Britain, and the United States, with a total budget of 10 billion zlotys ($2.6 billion). 

Warsaw’s plans include to reinforce its northern and eastern defenses by establishing fortified lines, surveillance systems, reconnaissance capabilities, and drone protection. The initiative is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

In July, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia urged the European Union to develop a defensive line along the border with Russia and Belarus to safeguard the EU from military threats and other aggressive actions from Moscow, as outlined in a letter from the leaders of these nations to the president of the European Council.