Belarus described as “catastrophic” Poland’s decision to close one of the border checkpoints between the two countriesreports “Reuters”.
Minsk warned that the move could lead to a “collapse” on both sides of the border.
Yesterday, Warsaw, citing security concerns, announced that will close the key border crossing to Belarus at Bobrovniki from 12:00 local time today, further straining the already hostile relationship between the two countries.
Tension between Warsaw and Minsk over a convicted Polish journalist
Poland closes key border crossing until further notice
After the entry into force of the decision only two of the six major land crossings along the 400-kilometer border will be opensaid the border service of Belarus.
“With the closure of another Polish checkpoint the situation will become catastrophic“, they warn and add that there are already long queues at border crossings anyway. According to them the workload of the remaining two checkpoints will increase critically.
Minsk considers the decision purposeful to “further worsen the situation at the border and limit the travel of citizens”.
On Wednesday, relations between Minsk and Warsaw became even more strained after a Polish journalist was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Belarusian court. Warsaw claims that the case against him is politically motivated.
Belarus is watching for military aggression from Poland and is preparing a response
Warsaw plans to deploy another division near the borders with Belarus