Poland Amati Increases Drone Activity Near Border With Belarus

JAKARTA - Poland observed an increase in drone activity near its border with Belarus at night.

The concern of the NATO alliance and members of the European Union, Poland, about the "Zapad" (West) war games, strengthened as some 21 Russian drones entered its airspace on the 9-10 September night.

Asked why the border was still closed even though Zapad's training was over, Home Affairs Minister Marcin Kierwinski said Poland would reopen it if it was safe to do so.

"Last night, the Border Guard observed an increase in the activity of Belarusian and Russian drones trying to cross Polish airspace," he said.

"It is clear that the situation on the Polish-Belarus border is still very, very tense," he continued.

Kierwinski did not provide further details.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs said there was no Polish intervention or attempt to shoot down the drone.

Belarus and Russia have strengthened relations during the Moscow invasion of Ukraine, with Minsk allowing Moscow to send troops through its territory.

Poland became one of Ukraine's biggest supporters in the conflict.

There are six land border crossings between Poland and Belarus, four of which have been closed by Warsaw due to prolonged disputes with Minsk.