Special Report: Tensions Continue to Rise Between Russia and Poland

Poland deports Russian tennis player, Wagner increases its military presence, and much more

Tensions are rising fast between Russia and Poland, and there does not appear to be an end in sight. Here is the latest news:

First, Vladimir Putin issued a veiled threat to Poland. He stated: "The Western territories of today's Poland are a gift of Stalin to the Poles. Our friends in Warsaw forgot about it, we'll remind them." Putin further accused Poland of having increased “territorial ambitions” on the territory of the former USSR, and that any aggression against Belarus would be considered an aggression against Russia. During this same speech, Putin sounded afraid about the possibility of a Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian Commonwealth will defeat Russia. There are currently no discussions of forming a united Commonwealth between the three countries.

Poland announced that it will be moving troops further to the east as the threat from the Wagner Group in Belarus steadily increases. Germany has also announced that it will stand with and defend Poland in the event of an invasion by Wagner fighters from Belarus. Poland is a member of NATO, so any invasion would likely trigger Article 5, requiring all NATO countries, including the United States, to defend Poland’s territorial sovereignty.

Since then, Poland has summoned Russia’s ambassador and the country has announced that it will start the process of purchasing S-70i Black Hawk multi-role helicopters to complement its purchase of 6 Apache AH-64 attack helicopters. In total, Poland is expected to purchase anywhere from 20-32 Black Hawk helicopters.

This morning, Poland deported Vera Zvonareva, a Russian tennis player who was expected to play at a tournament in Warsaw. Zvonareva was denied entry into the country at an airport in Warsaw. According to the Polish Interior Ministry, Zvonareva was denied entry “for reasons of state security and protection of public safety.” The tennis player was traveling on a French visa from Belgrade to Warsaw and has since been deported. The Womens’ Tennis Association issued this statement in response:

Meanwhile, the Wagner Group has begun military exercises along the Polish/Belarusian border, increasing the likelihood of a potential incursion on Poland’s land. Learn more about these military exercises here. This situation is becoming increasingly more concerning, and is one that I will update you on as we learn more information.