Poland says it could reopen some Belarusian crossings if Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko meets three demands: end the Polish‑Belarusian migration crisis, free jailed opposition leader Andriej Poczobut, and cooperate on the investigation of the murder of Polish soldier Sergeant Mateusz Sitka.
Polish Conditions for Reopening Crossings
In its Thursday issue, the newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported that Poland could open certain crossings into Belarus if the three conditions are satisfied. The first is the conclusion of the migration crisis at the Polish‑Belarusian border. The second demands the release of Andriej Poczobut, who has been imprisoned for over four years. The third requires cooperation on determining the responsible parties for the murder of Sergeant Mateusz Sitka.
Sources related to these conditions have told reporters that while Belarus acknowledges the priorities, no progress has yet been made in any of the areas.
Potential Border Points
The proposal concerns crossings closed by the previous United Right government. The most likely point is Bobrowniki, shut down in 2023 by Mateusz Morawiecki’s cabinet in response to the conviction of Poczobut. Another possibility is Kuźnica in the Sokółka district of Podlaskie, still closed to passenger and freight traffic. Opening this route would restore transport between Belarus and the European Union.
Impact of Military Exercises
All remaining Belarusian crossings have been closed since September, when military manoeuvres known as Zapad 25 began in the country. Belarusian and Russian forces practiced aggressive battle scenarios aimed at occupied territory. No crossings, including the railway‑based Terespol, are operational.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński explained on September 12 that the closure is linked to ongoing Zapad manoeuvres, which directly target Poland and the European Union. These exercises train tactics that could threaten the country.
Current Status of Border Openings
Poland remains ready to open certain crossings if Lukashenko agrees to the conditions outlined. The decision remains contingent on the implementation of the migration crisis resolution, the release of Poczobut, and cooperation on the murder investigation.
