Opposition to negotiate travel options for Belarusians in case of border closure

July 30, BPN. The continued presence of Russian Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus may prompt the European Union to close its shared border with Belarus, said Pavieł Łatuška of the opposition transition cabinet.

The opposition plans a number of meetings in the coming weeks to negotiate humanitarian corridors for Belarusians should this happen, he noted.

Warsaw may cut off all links to Belarus over security risks, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński said on July 27 stressing that Belarus’ western neighbors are ready to respond to any provocations.

Lithuania confirmed that Vilnius and Warsaw were considering a joint closure of borders with Belarus in case of serious border incidents involving Wagner Group mercenaries.

Two days later, Poland announced that it had information that over 100 Russian mercenaries were heading in the direction of Hrodna, a major Belarusian city at the border with Poland. The move may be “a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory,” according to Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Wagner Group mercenaries have been regularly arriving in Belarus since mid-July. Their numbers are estimated to be between 3,500 and 5,000 soldiers.