CONFLICTSPOLAND
Poland accuses Belarus of violating its airspace
1 hour ago1 hour ago
Tensions between Poland and Belarus have increased following reports that two helicopters violated the NATO country’s airspace. Belarus has denied any violation of the border.
https://p.dw.com/p/4UeqY
Polish army troops stand at attention before their deployment to the east of the country
Poland currently has thousands of guards and soldiers protecting its border with BelarusImage: 12 Brygada Zmechanizowana/Handout/REUTERS
Poland will send additional troops to its border after two Belarusian helicopters apparently crossed into the NATO country’s airspace Tuesday.
“There was a violation of Polish airspace by two Belarusian helicopters that were training near the border,” the Polish Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Belarus dismissed the alleged violation as, “far-fetched.”
“Accusations of a violation of the Polish border by Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces are farfetched and made by the Polish military and political leadership to justify the build-up of forces and means at the Belarusian border,” Minsk said.
Poland said NATO has been informed of the incident.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Belarus’ charge d’affairs had been summoned to explain the situation.
Poland and its neighboring countries on NATO’s eastern flank have expressed concern regarding a possible threat from Russian ally Belarus, where a sizeable contingent of the Wagner mercenary group are currently stationed.
This is a developing story more to follow….
lo/js (Reuters, AFP)
