UK deploys troops to bolster Poland’s border with Belarus

The United Kingdom has deployed troops to assist Poland in securing its border with Belarus, where tens of thousands of people – mainly from the Middle East, Asia and Africa – have been trying to cross into the European Union.

The deployment comes amid worries of a possible armed escalation in the region, with Belarusian and Russian paratroopers holding joint drills today. Russia and western countries have also clashed over the issue at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Poland’s defence minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, announced today that British Royal Engineers would help with a “reconnaissance” mission to examine how the frontier can be strengthened. Poland has already deployed 15,000 soldiers there and approved plans to build an “impenetrable” wall along the border.