Poland-Belarus border: What you need to know about the crisis

Thousands of migrants and refugees are stranded along the Belarus border with Poland amid a raging geopolitical row.

Migrants gather near a fire on the Belarusian-Polish border in the Grodno region, Belarus [Ramil Nasibulin/BelTA via Reuters]

A simmering months-long border crisis along the European Union’s frontiers with Belarus has this week morphed into a serious geopolitical dispute and stoked fears of a humanitarian disaster.

Since Monday, more refugees and migrants have been joining the stranded crowds near the Belarus-Poland border, hoping to cross into the bloc.

It is estimated that thousands are now gathered near the line that divides the two countries.

Those trying to leave Belarus have been denied entry to Poland, with a forbidding barbed wire fence and masses of security forces deployed by Warsaw barring their way.

They are stuck in freezing temperatures, without access to vital supplies or medical care, as fears for their safety mount.

Here is what you need to know:

What is happening?

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 migrants and refugees, many of whom are reportedly from the Middle East and Afghanistan, are camped out in what is effectively a no-man’s-land between Belarus and Poland after being denied entry to the EU nation.

Human rights groups and global bodies have raised concerns for their wellbeing, pointing to a spate of reported deaths on both sides of the border as evidence of the treacherous conditions they face as winter sets in.

Aid workers, lawyers and journalists have been prevented from accessing critical border areas on both sides.

How did the crisis start?

The crisis erupted earlier this year, when longtime Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reacted furiously to EU sanctions. The bloc had punished Minsk over its forced diversion of a passenger jet in May and subsequent arrest of a dissident journalist, Roman Protasevich, who was on board.

Months earlier, the EU and the United States penalised Lukashenko’s government for cracking down on dissent after a disputed August 2020 election which handed the 67-year-old a sixth term and provoked mass anti-government protests.

Angered by the toughened measures, Lukashenko hit back by announcing Belarus would stop trying to prevent undocumented migrants and refugees from reaching the EU, arguing the bloc’s sanctions deprived his government of the funds needed to do so.

Since then, EU member states bordering Belarus, including Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, have reported sharp increases in the number of people attempting to cross their borders.

Who has said what?

The EU accuses Minsk of deliberately enticing migrants and refugees to Belarus and then funnelling them westwards with promises of easy entry into the bloc as part of a “hybrid attack” on its member states in retaliation for sanctions.

Lukashenko denies those allegations and charges the EU with violating human rights by denying people safe passage, contrary to international rules of asylum.

There have been reports of illegal so-called “pushbacks” being conducted, with Polish guards accused of returning undocumented migrants to Belarus.

Is Russia playing a role?

Warsaw has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of masterminding the unfolding crisis.

But Moscow, which Lukashenko’s government depends on heavily as an ally and creditor, has denied involvement.

It has instead accused Poland and its fellow EU member states of attempting to “strangle” Belarus, which the Kremlin sees as a security buffer against the bloc and the US-headed transatlantic NATO military alliance on its western flank.

Moscow sent paratroopers to Belarus on Friday for military drills. Earlier this week, it deployed two nuclear-capable strategic bombers on patrol missions over Belarus for two straight days.

What might happen next?

It is unclear, but further escalation looks likely.

The EU is weighing whether to impose yet more sanctions against Minsk in response to the border crisis. The measures, which reportedly could also target airlines the bloc deems to be involved in the situation, could come into effect as soon as Monday.

Belarus continues to deny engineering the crisis and warns it cannot help bring it to an end unless the earlier penalties imposed on Lukashenko’s government by Western powers are lifted.

Minsk has also threatened to cut off Russian gas supplies to Europe through pipelines that transit through Belarusian territory in retaliation for any fresh EU sanctions.

But on Friday, the Kremlin distanced itself from that threat, saying it was not consulted in advance of Lukashenko’s remarks and that it would fulfil its gas delivery contracts.

Europe’s gas market, where prices have hit record highs in recent weeks, would be highly sensitive to any supply disruption.

65 thoughts on “Poland-Belarus border: What you need to know about the crisis

  1. 36673 383306Aw, it was an extremely very good post. In thought I would like to set up writing similar to this furthermore – taking time and actual effort to create a very great article but exactly what do I say I procrastinate alot and also no indicates manage to go done. 133347

  2. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs
    I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always useful to read through content
    from other authors and use a little something from other sites.

  3. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a
    great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later on. I want to encourage one to continue your great work,
    have a nice afternoon!

  4. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts
    as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
    My website is in the very same niche as yours and
    my visitors would really benefit from some of the information you present
    here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!

  5. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to
    my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
    updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
    something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to
    your new updates.

  6. When I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment.
    Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Thank you!

  7. Greetings! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx!
    Just wanted to tell you keep up the good work!

  8. 623951 873318Up to now, you demand to term of hire an absolute truck or van and will also be removal equipments to valuable items plus have a look at the new destination. From the long run, which finish up with are few issues except anxiety moreover stress and anxiety. removals stockport 489843

  9. 941853 179561Empathetic for your monstrous inspect, in addition Im just seriously excellent as an alternative to Zune, and consequently optimism them, together with the extremely great critical reviews some other players have documented, will let you determine whether it does not take appropriate choice for you. 546922

  10. 218959 681049Great day! This post could not be written any far better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read. Thanks for sharing! 25579

  11. 986869 691546Wow, fantastic weblog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging appear effortless. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content material! 280984

  12. Pingback: hindi movie online
  13. 537530 334431Soon after study some with the weblog posts within your site now, and i genuinely such as your technique for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and are checking back soon. Pls look into my web website likewise and make me aware what you consider. 968956

  14. 928498 54047Youll notice several contrasting points from New york Weight reduction eating plan and every one one could be useful. The first point will probably be authentic relinquishing on this excessive. shed weight 538395

  15. 675778 193345Hi, you used to write exceptional articles, but the last several posts have been kinda boring I miss your super writing. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! 846831

  16. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article
    author for your blog. You have some really good articles
    and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some material for your blog
    in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested.
    Cheers!

    Look at my web blog – tracfone special coupon 2022

  17. 739987 804867Over and over again I like to consider this troubles. As a matter of fact it wasnt even a month ago that I thought about this quite thing. To be honest, what will be the answer though? 684862

  18. 768744 51431Hello! I could have sworn Ive been to this internet site before but right after browsing via some of the post I realized its new to me. Nonetheless, Im undoubtedly happy I located it and Ill be book-marking and checking back regularly! 574915

  19. Kasíno DOXXbet ponúka bonus až 7 000 € a to nie je všetko! Získajte 250 + 25 free spinov, ak pri registrácii zadáte Skaut kód AFF1082. Registrácia v Tipsport casino ✔️ Jednoduchý obrázkový návod krok za krokom. Získajte vstupný bonus ⭐ až 7 777 Eur plus 100 free spinov od… Aktuálne sú to online kasína Fortuna, Tipsport a Synot Tip. V každom môžete na eurový deposit využiť viacero platobných metód. Detailne sme sa casino 1 € deposite venovali na tomto mieste. V online casine Tipsport si za jediné euro zahráte garantovane minimálne 200 hier. Ako? Tipsport vás totiž po prvom prihlásení odmení registračným bonusom 100 free spinov (voľné točenia) na hracie automaty. To znamená, že ak si zvolíte pre svoju hru za 1 € len jedno-centové automaty, dokopy máte minimálne 200 točení zaručených.
    https://www.daebudotour.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=7460
    od kokot392 » 07 zář 2014, 15:16 Celá akcia odštartuje od 18:30. Štartovný stack bude nastavený na 25.000 žetónov a hrať sa bude vo formáte Freezeout s možnosťou Unl. re-entry. Blind levely budú 25 a 20 minútové. Neskorá registrácia bude otvorená úvodných 10 levelov, teda do 23:00. Chýbať nebude all-inclusive servis pre hráčov v podobe cateringu a vybraných nápojov grátis. Výsledky ALL-STARS 15.000€: Entries: 152 Ľudovo tiež nazývané “Poker”. Jedná sa o 4 karty rovnakej hodnoty. Napríklad A-A-A-A alebo 2-2-2-2. Platforma vytvorená na prezentáciu všetkého nášho úsilia zameraného na realizáciu vízie bezpečnejšieho a transparentnejšieho online odvetvia hazardných hier.

  20. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what
    all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any suggestions or advice would be
    greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  21. к чему снится воздушные шары год кого
    2008 по восточному гороскопу тройка кубков
    внешность человека
    сон в котором снятся торты сладкое принц снежная королева

  22. Tę zarysowaną w skrócie propozycję badawczą postaram się zaprezentować na konkretnych przykładach. Do analizy wybrałam celowo powieści nieco mniej znane, a zarazem nieeksploatowane w moich dotychczasowych publikacjach – Quietus Jacka Inglota oraz Krzyżacki poker Dariusza Spychalskiego. The aim of the article is to sketch the perspectives for studying alternate history genre in the context of memory studies, especially the category of cultural memory. The text presents the basic elements of the methodological apparatus and the central interpretative thesis according to which the tendency of allohistorical novels to reduct historiosophical reflection is conditioned by memory mechanisms. The connection between the aesthetics of the genre and its memorial strategies is shown through the analysis of two Polish alternate history novels: Quietus by Jacek Inglot and Krzyżacki poker by Dariusz Spychalski.
    https://test-dmmg.icipe.org/ckan/user/drivzianonri1976
    Bonus przy następnej wpłacie. Bonusy te oraz warunki ich otrzymania zobaczysz po zalogowaniu się na swoje konto. Wysokość tych bonusów to procentowa cześć Twojej następnej wpłaty, mają jednak określoną wysokość maksymalną. Jeżeli chcesz skorzystać z tej oferty, kliknij na “Wpłać teraz!”, co przeniesie Cię na stronę wpłat. Po dokonaniu wpłaty, bonus zostanie przekazany na Twoje konto. Kasa za darmo, jaką można dostać w niektórych kasynach online, to popularny bonus, za pomocą którego niektóre platformy starają się trafić do jak najszerszej grupy potencjalnych klientów. Premie za rejestrację mogą mieć różną wysokość, od 5 do nawet 25 euro. Oczywiście im wyższy bonus, tym większe wymagania, które należy spełnić, aby móc cieszyć się wynikającą z niego nagrodą. Udział w promocji kasyno darmowa kasa bez depozytu zawsze wiąże się z założeniem konta w wybranym kasynie, dlatego warto zwrócić uwagę na to, jak wygląda całokształt jego oferty, nie tylko w kontekście promocji.

  23. королева кубков таро описание внешности
    рожденные в август знак зодиака дева любовные заговоры девушки
    в домашних условиях
    часто снится что на меня нападают выйду
    я замуж в этом году или нет гадание бесплатно
    онлайн

  24. к чему снится что ты не можешь выйти
    из дома к чему снится гроб в доме, к чему снится гроб с
    живым покойником приснился любимый человек и ребенок
    слоненок во сне для женщины,
    слоненок во сне исламский сонник чтение молитвы во время поста

  25. Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your put up is simply cool
    and i can assume you are an expert in this subject.
    Fine along with your permission allow me to grasp your feed to keep up to date
    with imminent post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  26. ұлы кеңесші лауазымы мағынасы санаторий мойылды цена путёвки 2023 год,
    санаторий мойылды официальный сайт дама скачать садраддин, садраддин дама текст қайталай берем қайта қайта есіміңді, топ томпак текст
    скачать

  27. таро жаттығуы дипломдық жұмыс кіріспе бөлімі, дипломдық жұмыс бағасы можно ли забрать постельное
    белье из поезда, можно ли садиться в поезд пьяным верхняя одежда барахолка алматы
    инстаграм, работает ли сегодня барахолка в алматы

  28. музыка ауылым койшы бала, ауылым музыка скачать ремикс
    ултка кызмет билимнен емес минезден, ұлтқа қызмет
    ету деген не невропатолог на дом астана, невропатолог астана круглосуточно study space вход, hero study space atu

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *