Donald Tusk: Poland intends to construct fortifications along its border with Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to expand the defense project "Eastern Shield" to the border of Poland with Ukraine. Initially, the initiative was aimed at strengthening borders with Russia and Belarus.
During his visit to the first completed segment of fortifications, Tusk stated: "Everything we are doing here, as well as what we will do at the border with Belarus and Ukraine, is intended to deter a potential aggressor, and therefore it is truly an investment in peace."
Regarding the inclusion of the Ukrainian border in this project, Tusk noted:
"Our efforts will also focus on the border with Ukraine – not for the same reasons as the other borders, but to ensure that Poles feel safe along the entire eastern border."
The first section of the Eastern Shield at the border with Russia is ready! During my meeting with soldiers 200 meters from the border, I felt really safe.
– Donald Tusk (@donald-tusk.bsky.social) November 30, 2024, at 11:28 AM
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The "Eastern Shield" initiative involves the construction of various fortifications and defense infrastructure. By 2028, the project aims to establish approximately 800 square kilometers of surveillance and threat detection systems, advanced bases, logistics centers, storage facilities, and drone combat systems.
The Polish government is also closely collaborating with the Baltic states to create a joint defense infrastructure along the borders with Russia and Belarus.
The project, launched at the beginning of November, has a budget of 10 billion zlotys (2.3 billion euros).
"Right now, all of Europe is watching this with great satisfaction and will support these investments and our actions if needed," Tusk said.
The initiative to create fortifications at the border with Russia and Belarus was presented in May.
On November 1, Donald Tusk officially announced the start of construction of the defense complex. The primary goal of the project is to create a large-scale defense infrastructure on NATO's eastern flank to counter threats emanating from Moscow and Minsk.