NextFin news, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the Poland-Belarus border at Krynk on Sunday, August 31, 2025, to demonstrate European solidarity with Poland amid ongoing security challenges. The visit took place despite warnings from security services about the presence of Belarusian soldiers armed with rifles near the border.
During a joint press briefing at the border post, Tusk revealed that security services had advised them to cancel or relocate the event due to the appearance of Belarusian soldiers with firearms. He asked von der Leyen if she was willing to proceed, to which she affirmed, emphasizing no concessions or intimidation would deter them. Tusk stated, "No one here will be intimidated or disturbed. We are here to show true European determination."
Von der Leyen expressed full solidarity with Poland, describing the border region as a frontline facing "deliberate and cynical hybrid attacks" over many years. She said, "Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with you in all possible cases." The visit underscored the EU's support for Poland as a frontline state confronting security threats linked to Belarus and Russia.
At the Krynk border post, von der Leyen and Tusk met with commanders of the Border Guard and military units responsible for protecting the 186-kilometer Poland-Belarus border in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The border is fortified with a 5.5-meter steel fence and electronic barriers covering over 200 kilometers, including river sections along the Bug River in the Lublin Voivodeship.
The discussions also covered the EU's SAFE preferential credit program, part of a broader European rearmament plan responding to the growing military capabilities of Russia. After the briefing, the officials inspected the "Eastern Shield" construction materials and the modernized steel barrier at the border.
The visit follows warnings from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioning Belarus against provocations near Ukraine's borders amid planned military exercises. The security situation remains tense due to hybrid warfare tactics and migration pressures orchestrated by Belarus and Russia.
Sources: Ukrainian Pravda (pravda.com.ua), POLITICO.eu, Euronews.com, Notes From Poland
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