Poland begins building “Eastern Shield” on its border against threat of Russian aggression

Poland has begun constructing fortifications on the border with Russia and Belarus as part of the large-scale “Eastern Shield” project, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced, according to Ukrinform.

Earlier, Piotr Lukasiewicz, Poland’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine, noted that the “Eastern Shield” project is designed to defend the country against potential invasions from Russia and Belarus and is based on Ukraine’s experience.

In 2022, Poland built a 5.5-meter-high, 186-km-long barrier on the border with Belarus and installed a modern electronic monitoring system. The barrier was constructed in response to the artificial “migration crises” created by Belarus and Russia starting in the summer of 2021 on the border between Belarus, Poland, and the Baltic states.

“Construction of the ‘Eastern Shield’ has begun! Initial work is underway near the border with Russia,” Tusk wrote, sharing photos of excavators digging a trench.

Budowa Tarczy Wschód ruszyła! Pierwsze roboty przy granicy z Rosją. pic.twitter.com/2B6glKESx7

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) October 31, 2024

In addition to fortifications, Poland is increasing its military presence along the border, with plans to boost troop numbers from 6,000 to 8,000, supported by an additional 9,000 troops on standby. This military buildup is part of a broader strategy to prepare for a full-scale conflict, as Polish officials emphasize the need for readiness against potential threats from the east.

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