Poland deploys military and prepares shelters at 6 border crossings with Ukraine
Photo: Polish border guard (Getty Images)
Six border crossings on Poland’s border with Ukraine have been placed on heightened alert. Polish military personnel are being deployed there to strengthen security, states Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, according to Ukrinform.
A special regime has been introduced in the Lublin and Podkarpackie voivodeships. It applies to border crossings in Dorohusk, Zosin, Budomierz, Korczowa, Medyka and Krościenko.
The number of people and vehicles allowed to be present at these facilities at the same time has been limited. This is necessary to ensure that an evacuation can be carried out quickly if a threat arises.
Shelter locations have already been designated at each crossing, and additional protective structures will be built on an emergency basis if necessary.
Deployment of the military and cooperation between services
The transition of the crossings to the new regime and the preparation of military personnel took less than a day. The military established special posts in accordance with instructions from the Border Guard.
"Moving the border crossings on the border with Ukraine to a state of heightened readiness and preparing military personnel took less than 24 hours after the decision was made. The military established posts in accordance with the recommendations of the Border Guard. This is another example of very good cooperation between the services," Kierwiński said.
The Polish Interior Minister emphasized that border crossings are important transportation and logistics routes for all of Europe. According to him, despite recent incidents involving Russian drones near the Polish border, the area remains safe at present.
Two years ago, the Polish government officially classified border crossings with Ukraine as critical infrastructure. This decision allows law enforcement agencies and special services to respond much more quickly to any threats or emergencies.
Earlier, Poland's National Security Bureau said that Russian special services had stepped up activities against European infrastructure providing assistance to Ukraine. The targets include railways, bridges and borders.
In addition, Poland decided to expand its emergency warning siren network in the east. The reason is the growing risks from Russian attacks near the border with Ukraine.
