Donald Tusk inspects military fortifications at Poland's border with Russia
- Poland is strengthening its military defenses along the eastern border with Russia, including the Kaliningrad region.
- The East Shield project, part of this initiative, will stretch 800 kilometers and cost around 10 billion zlotys.
- Donald Tusk emphasized that these fortifications are critical for national security and serve as an investment in peace.
In late October 2023, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to the country’s eastern border with Russia's Kaliningrad to review the construction of military fortifications. This visit marked an essential step in Poland's effort to enhance its national security amid increasing tensions with Russia. Poland has prioritized defense initiatives, especially given concerns about Russian aggression and potential changes in U.S. foreign policy under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Tusk's government began the East Shield project earlier that year, a strategic military initiative designed to extend approximately 800 kilometers along the borders with Russia and Belarus. The East Shield project, estimated to cost around 10 billion zlotys (approximately $2.5 billion), aims to bolster defenses against hybrid threats perceived from Russia, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns. This initiative aligns with Poland's broader objective of enhancing European security, particularly as it assumes the rotating presidency of the 27-member European Union in the near future. Tusk emphasized that a fortified border would deter potential aggressors and contribute to broader peace in the region. During the visit, Tusk highlighted the importance of integrating modern military infrastructure, including anti-tank barriers referred to as “hedgehogs,” with natural defensive features like ditches. He stated that this extensive fortification effort would also extend to Poland's border with Ukraine, aiming to ensure security for both nations amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Poland's defense spending is set to reach 4.7% of its gross domestic product in the following year, positioning the country as a leader in NATO defense expenditures. The strategic military project is also intended to eventually provide protection for the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—given their proximity and shared security concerns concerning Russian military actions. Tusk expressed his hope that these investments in border security would foster a sense of safety for Polish citizens and contribute to a more secure Europe.