Polish armed forces called in to protect national borders

Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a decree authorizing the deployment of armed forces units to support the border service along the borders with Germany and Lithuania.

Under the decree, additional military personnel will help safeguard the integrity of the state border in areas around border crossings.

Their presence is scheduled from October 5, 2025, to April 4, 2026 - the period for which Poland has extended temporary border controls with these countries.

Military and gendarmerie at the border

By a separate order, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk deployed the Military Gendarmerie to support border guards along the border with Germany for the entire duration of the temporary control.

Border checks with Germany and Lithuania were first introduced on July 7, 2025, and this week their validity was extended until April of next year.

Vehicle checks

As part of the restored border controls, Polish border guards, with support from the police and military, are authorized to stop certain vehicles for inspection.

The government says the measures are necessary to reduce uncontrolled migrant flows and enhance security in border regions.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki is planning his first official visit to Kyiv in the near future, which, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga, is expected to take place in the short term. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, discuss strategic partnerships, and address key areas of cooperation between the countries.

President Nawrocki also signed a law extending the legal status of Ukrainian refugees in Poland until March 2026, ensuring they can remain legally in the country and access social and administrative services over the next year.