Poland installs thousands of concrete hedgehogs on border with Russia As part of Eastern Shield defence

Poland has begun fortifying its eastern border with Russia's Kaliningrad region, installing 3,500 concrete "hedgehogs" along the first section of the defence line known as the "Eastern Shield."

The announcement was made by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a visit to the newly constructed section of the fortifications in the village of Dąbrówka, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Tusk emphasized that this is just the beginning, with plans to install "solid infrastructure" along a 300-kilometre stretch of the border. The fortifications are part of a broader national defence strategy, with construction of the defensive line officially starting on November 1, 2023.

The project, which was first announced in May, is part of a larger $2.5 billion (€10 billion) initiative aimed at strengthening Poland's security in response to heightened concerns over Russia's activities. The full defensive line is expected to be completed by 2028 and will include not only concrete hedgehogs but also anti-tank barriers, minefields, ditches, and an active surveillance system.

Poland’s efforts come amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region, and the installation of these concrete obstacles marks a significant step in enhancing the country's defense capabilities against potential threats from Russia.

By Vafa Guliyeva