Poland constructs defensive lines along border with Russia, Belarus

Poland is fortifying its eastern border with Russia and Belarus by installing anti-tank obstacles and constructing trench systems, as part of a broader effort to bolster national defence capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.

The initiative was detailed in information released by the Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Another stage of engineering procurement for the construction of the ‘East Shield’ has been completed. The 2nd Regional Logistics Base has delivered engineering equipment that is strengthening Poland’s defensive infrastructure,” the statement said.

The inspectorate confirmed that the newly delivered assets include reinforced concrete anti-tank barriers, commonly known as “hedgehogs,” prefabricated rifle trenches, retaining walls, and steel cables. The transportation and installation of the equipment are being managed by the 1st Pomeranian Logistics Brigade, according to military sources.

The “East Shield” program is being rolled out along Poland’s borders with both Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus, with the Polish government allocating 10 billion zloty (approximately $2.5 billion) for its implementation over the 2024–2028 period.

According to the office of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the project forms part of a broader strategy to establish a comprehensive defence infrastructure along NATO’s eastern flank, aimed at countering perceived military threats from both Belarus and Russia.

The Polish government has consistently maintained that such measures are necessary to deter potential aggression and to reinforce the security of NATO's frontier in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increased military activity in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva