Exploring Eastern Europe: Belarus, Ukraine, And Poland's Intertwined History

Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland are three neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe. They share a complex history, having been part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later the Russian Empire. The three countries also share a common border, with Poland and Belarus sharing a 418km border, and Belarus and Ukraine sharing a 1,084km border. In recent years, tensions have arisen between the countries, particularly following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, in which Belarus supported Russia. Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union, has taken a strong stance against the invasion, leading to increased tensions with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The complex relationships between these three countries have significant implications for the region's politics, security, and economy.

Poland and Belarus share a border and have a shared history

Poland and Belarus share a border that is approximately 418km long. This border is also the European Union's external border and splits the Białowieża Forest between Belarusian and Polish national parks.

Both countries have a shared history, having been part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later, the Russian Empire. They joined the United Nations together in October 1945 as original members and established diplomatic relations on 2 March 1992, with Poland being one of the first countries to recognise Belarusian independence.

In recent years, however, diplomatic relations between the two countries have become strained. Poland is a member of NATO and the European Union and has an anti-Russian stance, while Belarus has long been firmly pro-Russia. This divide has impaired their positive bilateral relationship. In 2021, Poland accused Belarus of engaging in hybrid warfare by orchestrating and supporting illegal crossings of migrants into Poland. This resulted in Poland reinforcing its border with 15,000 troops and beginning the construction of a border wall in 2022 to prevent illegal immigration. The situation along the Poland-Belarus border remains tense, with ongoing violations of Polish airspace by Belarusian helicopters.

Poland and Belarus have strained diplomatic relations

Poland and Belarus have a history of diplomatic relations, having recognised each other's independence in March 1992. However, their relationship has become strained in recent years, owing to several factors.

Firstly, Poland and Belarus have different geopolitical alignments. Poland is a member of NATO and the European Union, and has an anti-Russian stance. In contrast, Belarus has long been a firm ally of Russia, which has created tension between the two countries. This was particularly evident during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, where Poland strongly supported Ukraine, while Belarus allowed Russia to launch attacks on Ukraine from its territory.

Secondly, there have been disputes over border controls and refugee crises. In 2021, Poland accused Belarus of pushing thousands of migrants towards its border, leading to a standoff between the two countries' armies and border guards. Poland also erected a steel wall along its border with Belarus, further straining relations.

Thirdly, there have been diplomatic rows and expulsions of diplomats between the two countries. For example, in 2021, Belarus expelled two Polish diplomats after Poland expelled a Belarusian diplomat following a dispute over a World War II commemoration. More recently, in 2024, Poland closed a border crossing for Belarusian cargo vehicles, and expelled the Belarusian defence attaché, leading to further deterioration in relations.

Finally, Poland has been critical of Belarus's domestic politics. During the 2020 Belarusian presidential election, Poland strongly condemned the violent crackdown on anti-government protests and refused to recognise the results, instead backing the Belarusian opposition. This angered Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who deployed additional troops to the border and took other retaliatory actions.

Overall, the combination of geopolitical tensions, border disputes, diplomatic expulsions, and disagreements over domestic politics has led to strained diplomatic relations between Poland and Belarus.

Poland and Belarus have a border crisis

Poland and Belarus have a history of border tensions, with Poland accusing Belarus of weaponising migration to benefit Europe's far-right. In 2021, Belarus coordinated an influx of migrants to the borders of Lithuania, Poland and Latvia, with the European Union and independent observers viewing it as a form of hybrid warfare. This resulted in Poland deploying 15,000 troops to guard its eastern frontier with Belarus, and the construction of a state border barrier.

In 2024, tensions rose again, with Poland reporting a sharp increase in the number of attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus. This led to the introduction of an exclusion zone along the border, banning unauthorised people from entering within 200 metres, and up to 2 kilometres, of the Polish side. This was in response to the stabbing of a Polish soldier by a migrant, which resulted in the soldier's death.

The situation is challenging for Poland's ruling government, a coalition formed largely by liberal-centrist parties, which typically emphasise democratic values and human rights. Taking a tough stance risks continuing the controversial policies of the previous national-conservative government, while relaxing existing measures could be seen as neglecting national security.

The crisis has also impacted the local economy, with limited access to the Białowieża Forest and increased police presence reducing tourism in the region.

Belarus supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, supported its eastern neighbour in the invasion of Ukraine. In the lead-up to the invasion, Belarus allowed the Russian Armed Forces to perform military drills on its territory, and did not ask Russian troops to leave the country after they were supposed to finish. Belarus also allowed Russia to stage part of the invasion from its territory, giving Russia the shortest possible land route to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.

In the initial stages of the conflict, Belarus lent its territory to Russian soldiers to attack Ukraine, and allowed Russian missile launchers to be stationed on its territory to shoot at Ukrainian targets. Belarus also allowed Russia full access to its military airbases and army installations.

In the early days of the invasion, Belarus was involved in peace initiatives, holding Russo-Ukrainian talks on its border. Despite some preliminary agreements, the talks did not result in a lasting ceasefire.

Belarus's involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine was condemned in Western countries, and was met with sanctions from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. According to Chatham House, Belarus's participation in the military conflict is unpopular among the general population.

In August 2024, Belarus announced the transfer of an Iskander missile, Polonez MLRS, and special forces to areas bordering Ukraine. This was interpreted by Ukraine as an attempt to help Russia and distract the attention of the Ukrainian command. On 18 August, President Lukashenko announced that Belarus had deployed around a third of its army to the border with Ukraine.

Poland and Ukraine share a border

Poland and Ukraine's shared border has been a significant feature of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In the early days of the invasion, Russian troops entered Ukraine from Belarus, crossing the border near the Pripyat region. In April 2022, Ukrainian troops regained control of sections of the border near Pripyat.

Poland and Ukraine's border is also significant in the context of their shared history. Both countries were once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later became part of the Russian Empire. They joined the United Nations together in 1945 as original members.

The border between Poland and Ukraine is also notable for its geographical features. The western end of the border starts at the Western Bug river and runs eastward across the Pinsk Marshes. It then stretches parallel to the Pripyat River and passes through areas contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster.

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