Poland adds minefields to protective barrier with Russia and Belarus

Poland has added minefields to its “East Shield” border defence project along Russia and Belarus, as construction continues year-round since starting in November. The fortified barrier, spanning over 20km near the Kaliningrad border, includes concrete walls and will eventually feature anti-tank defences, shelters, and bunkers.

Amid growing regional tensions from Russia’s war in Ukraine, Polish officials say the project is a deterrent against potential attacks. “We saw what happened in Ukraine — we must be prepared,” said a military spokesperson.

The EU-backed project, partly funded by a €1 billion commitment from the European Investment Bank, is set for completion within three years. Analysts say the shield reflects deepening divides in Eurasia and NATO’s strategic concerns in the region.

Poland, a NATO member that has significantly boosted its military strength, borders Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast to the north and Belarus to the east.

A narrow land strip between these countries connects to Lithuania and the Baltic states — a region widely seen as NATO’s most vulnerable point in the event of conflict.

via Euronews