Key Metrics
13.93
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelRegional
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Last Update2025-09-10
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (4)
Negative Impacts (4)
Event Overview
This event underscores the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The closure of borders and military exercises highlight the defensive posturing and strategic concerns among neighboring countries, reflecting broader regional security issues and potential for escalation.
Collect Records
Poland to Close Border with Belarus Ahead of Russian-Belarusian Military Exercises
Poland will close its border crossings with Belarus on Thursday, ahead of the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises, Zapad, scheduled from September 12 to 16. The decision is in response to the upcoming exercises and aims to send a strong message to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Polish official Radek Sikorski warns that these drills could be a precursor to further aggression, similar to how Russia conducted exercises before invading Georgia and Ukraine. The drills may include practicing a NATO invasion and the use of nuclear weapons. Poland has also arrested a Belarusian agent and plans to expel a diplomat accused of aiding hostile intelligence operations. The closure of the border has received support from the office of the right-wing Polish President, Karol Nawrocki. NATO's eastern flank, including Lithuania, is preparing for the Zapad 2025 war games, and 10 Northern European NATO countries are conducting their own military exercises, such as Tarassis 25. Poland is also conducting its Iron Defender 2025 military exercises with 30,000 troops this week.