Polish Interior Ministry says Belarus may interfere in parliamentary elections

Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wąsik has suggested that Belarus wants to interfere in the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for October 15

He made the statement on Polish Radio.

"We are constantly expecting provocations on the Polish-Belarusian border," the official said.

He noted that Latvia also sees a threat to security on its border and is strengthening its security.

According to Wąsik, Belarus may attempt to destabilize the situation in Poland.

"We are aware that Alexander Lukashenko will want to interfere in the Polish elections, destabilizing the situation and making various provocations," the deputy interior minister said.

The situation on the Belarusian-Polish border

Following the mutiny of Wagner PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in late June, the Kremlin reported that mercenaries were relocating to Belarus.

On June 27, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the arrival of Yevgeny Prigozhin in the country. According to him, Wagner mercenaries who arrived with him will not guard the Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed there. However, Lukashenko emphasized that he expects the mercenaries to help in the defense of Belarus. He refrained from specifying the source of potential threats that Belarus aims to defend against.

Later, on July 23, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced the desire of mercenaries from the Russian Wagner PMC stationed in his country to "go on an excursion" to Poland.

On August 7, military exercises started in Belarus. The training grounds are located next to the Suwalki Corridor, a section between Poland and Lithuania, Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad region. Wagner PMC units relocated from Russia are taking part in the exercises.

On August 8, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak granted the request of the Border Guard Commander and ordered to strengthen the border with Belarus with additional soldiers.