Situation on Poland-Belarus Border: Migrants Leave Camp, Lukashenko's Admission and Ukraine's Preparations

Lukashenko admitted that Belarusian security forces could have helped refugees break through the Polish border.

Alexander Lukashenko admitted that Belarusian security forces could have helped refugees break through the Polish border. He said this in an interview with BBC. 

Alexander Lukashenko

I think this is absolutely possible. We are Slavs. We feel with our hearts. Our servicemen understand that the migrants are heading to Germany. Possibly, some of them (Belarusian border guards — ed.) helped them (the migrants — ed.). I won't even try to find out.

Lukashenko noted that he did not invite migrants to Belarus and did not intend to forcibly keep them within the country's borders. 

“I told them that I am not going to detain these migrants at the border, I won't hold them, and even if they continue to move on (toward the Polish border — ed.), I still won't stop them, because they want to go to your country, not mine. I meant it. But I did not invite them here. And frankly, I would not want them to go through Belarus,” Lukashenko said. 

Reinforced border

The State Border Guard Service, the National Guard and the National Police are interacting effectively and continue measures to further reinforce the state border with Belarus. 

Andriy Demchenko
State Border Guard Service spokesperson

Border guards and reserve forces, which have already reinforced the border, are working in clear coordination directly on the ground. Law enforcement officers are synchronizing their actions. This is happening along the entire length of the border with Belarus (Belarus borders five Ukrainian oblasts, the section is almost 1,100 km — ed.). Reserves of the SBGS, NGU and NP continue to arrive with the necessary equipment and resources. Everyone is ready for joint action to ensure the security of the state border. 

On November 19 in Chernihiv Oblast, border service and National Guard forces practiced coordinated actions to respond to any situations that may arise at the border and to properly protect the state border. 

Law enforcement officers held classes on personal safety and the use of force to stop riots and contain crowds. The State Border Guard Service noted that the situation on the border with Belarus remains under control. 

Border guards are increasing personnel and resources to control the border and, if necessary, hold back the flow of migrants. Border guards noted that this involves personnel with the necessary equipment and resources, dog handlers with service dogs, and surveillance equipment. 

Manned aviation and unmanned aerial systems are also actively used to monitor the border. The national police chief inspected the work of reinforced joint patrols in Zhytomyr Oblast, where more than 250 km of the state border with Belarus lies. 

Ihor Klymenko
National Police chief

No movement of migrants has been recorded so far. However, yesterday’s appearance of “tourists” in Chernihiv Oblast indicates that attempts are already being made to test the level of protection of our borders. Local residents can also help law enforcement. If strangers appear in settlements, it is best to notify the police immediately. We will check who they are and what purpose they came for. I hope that among locals there will be no one who wants to betray the interests of the population and the state by organizing illegal border crossings. I remind you of personal criminal liability in such a case. We are closely monitoring such things. Because no money is worth the safety of citizens. 

Migrants have left the camp

On November 19, Polish police said that migrants had left the makeshift camp in the forest near the “Kuznica-Bruzgi” checkpoint on Belarusian territory. 

The Podlaskie Voivodeship police reported: “The abandoned camps near Kuznica are the result of the resolute position of Polish services.” 

Law enforcement officers published drone footage showing a deserted strip along the border where tents previously stood, as well as discarded tree branches, logs and boards. There are no tents left in place. 

Polish border guards also published a video showing Belarusian services clearing the site of the abandoned camp at the border crossing.