PM Tusk: Poland Must Seal Entire Border with Russia and Belarus
Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister
20.05.2025
"A key priority for my government was the immediate sealing of the border so that the practice of anyone being able to enter Poland at will would never happen again," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Sejm held a debate on the government's resolution to extend the restriction on the right to asylum at the Belarusian border for another 60 days. This is part of efforts to combat illegal migration, protect our borders, and fight smuggling groups operating in border areas. Prime Minister Tusk also announced an international information campaign aimed at discouraging illegal migrants from coming to Poland. The government is addressing the consequences of the previous administration's scandalous visa policy, which led to abuses such as student visa misuse and the sale of Polish visas.
Hybrid Warfare as a Tool of Destabilization
The Prime Minister left no doubt about the nature of events on the border with Belarus. He emphasized that this is not merely a migration issue but a form of hybrid warfare conducted by Russia and Belarus.
"Lukashenko and Putin are mobilizing thousands of illegal migrants with the help of smugglers, amassing them at the borders of Poland—as well as Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia. This is both a lucrative business for them and a serious form of hybrid warfare," Tusk said in the Sejm.
The state's response must be decisive, resisting pressure and political correctness. The Prime Minister reminded that thousands of Polish officers are risking their lives daily to protect the eastern border.
"This war takes a very tangible form at the Polish border—thousands of Polish soldiers, border guards, and police officers are stationed there daily, risking their health and lives," he said, referring to the tragedy of Sergeant Sitek.
Sergeant Mateusz Sitek died on June 6, 2024, in the line of duty—days after being stabbed near Dubicze Cerkiewne on the Polish-Belarusian border.
The Prime Minister added that national security must not be a fiction—it must be based on a strong and real system of protection, which is why extending the restriction on asylum applications for another 60 days is so important.
The measure introduced by the government took effect on March 27, 2025, and remains in force until May 26, 2025.
End of Impunity and Asylum-on-Demand
Confronting hybrid warfare and the instrumentalization of migrants required a new, tougher approach. Lukashenko, Putin, and smugglers had in recent years deliberately exploited international laws like the right to asylum.
"I crossed the border illegally, got caught, and I say: 'I want asylum.' And the matter is closed. The application must be accepted. Even if they later go to Germany or France—there's a Polish trace. Then comes another problem—other countries say: take them back," Tusk said, highlighting the absurdity of the former approach.
The Prime Minister stressed that this system not only failed to work but also attracted more migrants and fueled a spiral of issues for Poland and the EU. He announced a new information campaign to be conducted in the countries of origin of illegal migrants.
"A major campaign by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is launching now. A very simple and strong message: what happens when illegal migrants attempt to cross the Polish border? What awaits anyone who tries to cross illegally?" he explained.
The campaign's message is clear: migrants will not be granted asylum, will not cross the Polish border, and therefore have no reason to come.
He emphasized that Poland will no longer be a shortcut route, and smugglers and organized crime groups will no longer be allowed to profit.
Visa Trade Under the Previous Government
The Prime Minister also addressed the previous administration's border openings and record numbers of visas issued. The scale, he noted, was unprecedented. As a result of the visa scandal, 11 individuals have already been charged.
"535,000 visas in 2023 for people from countries from which we would generally prefer not to see large groups arriving in Poland," revealed Tusk.
This, he emphasized, was not just corruption, but a systemic pathology, supported by high-level officials and members of the previous government.
"The golden era for smugglers ended with the PiS government," said the Prime Minister.
Tusk also referred to disinformation campaigns surrounding Migrant Integration Centers, pointing out that the previous administration had initiated these centers.
"You arranged the funding, boasted about it. And then you did what you do best—launched a big campaign to shift the blame, just like with the visas," the PM stated, recalling the origins of the project now used as a tool of manipulation.
He accused the Law and Justice government of irresponsibility, deceit, and manipulation—on one hand profiting from the system's weaknesses, and on the other shifting the blame for illegal migration onto others.
Ukrainian Grain Import Out of Control
The previous government had opened the Polish-Ukrainian border to uncontrolled inflows of Ukrainian grain. Despite public concern, it ignored the issue, endangering Polish crops and the domestic market.
"We saw thousands of grain-loaded railcars coming to Poland every day. Meanwhile, you told cameras that everything was fine, there was nothing to worry about," recalled the Prime Minister.
He noted that the government immediately took steps to limit grain inflows—to protect the Polish market and farmers. These steps were negotiated with the European Union. From June 5, the mechanism that allowed uncontrolled import of goods from Ukraine to Poland will be lifted, and pre-war regulations will apply at the border.
In international relations, cooperation is essential, but so is safeguarding national interests.
"We want to help Ukraine in every way possible in its war with Russia—but not at the expense of millions of Polish producers, consumers, and farmers," the Prime Minister emphasized.
He assured that Poland continues to fully support Ukraine's pursuit of peace and will mobilize allies to support Kyiv
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