Poland strengthens border defenses with Russia and Belarus

In Poland, defense officials have a plan to make their eastern border stronger against drones and ground attacks from Russia and Belarus. They want to build barriers and fortifications along 700 kilometers of the border. This is because Poland supports Ukraine and is worried about hostile actions from Russia and Belarus. The government is preparing for a possible military attack and wants to focus on preventing it from happening. The plan, called Shield-East, will cost over $2.5 billion and should be finished by 2028. It aims to protect Poland's territory, slow down enemy troops, help Polish troops move easily, and keep civilians safe. The Defense Minister says local communities understand why these steps are necessary. The system will include various defenses like towers, barriers, air monitoring, and upgrades to existing systems. It will be the biggest program to strengthen NATO's eastern flank since World War II. The plan will also involve neighboring Baltic states like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Poland spends a lot on defense, over 4% of its GDP, and will seek help from the EU to strengthen the eastern border of the bloc. The opposition also agrees that Poland's defense needs to be stronger. Previously, a wall was built on the border with Belarus to stop migrants, but this will be a separate project from Shield-East. Moscow still sees the area as important. Poland shares borders with Russia's Kaliningrad, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine.