Poland launches border security operation near Kaliningrad over sabotage threat

Polish police have launched a special security operation along the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave after receiving intelligence that sabotage acts could occur in the coming days. The operation covers the northeastern Podlasie and Warmia-Masuria provinces and involves additional officers, including counter-terrorism units.

National police chief Marek Boroń said the measures are based on information from external security services and are intended to protect citizens, facilities, and society from potential threats. He stated that police are coordinating with the army, border guard, and security services.

“Police are putting security measures in place around the Kaliningrad region in anticipation of possible incidents that could lead to acts of sabotage.”

Poland’s Military Intelligence Service and intelligence agencies from unnamed allied countries issued a warning last week that sabotage activities could take place on the Polish-Russian border, potentially including border violations by armed groups.

The national police headquarters described the operation as directly related to current sabotage activity and the actions of eastern services, referring to Russia and its ally Belarus. Police spokeswoman Katarzyna Nowak provided further comment to broadcaster TVN.

Kaliningrad, Russia’s westernmost territory, has existed as an exclave separated from mainland Russia since 1991. The region has been the focus of repeated sabotage and hybrid actions against Poland and other regional countries in recent years.

Authorities have not disclosed the number of personnel deployed or specified how long the operation will continue.