Poland reopens 2 border crossings with Belarus

LONDON

Poland has reopened two border crossings with Belarus that were closed in recent years as relations between the neighboring countries deteriorated, according to local media on Monday.

The decision to reopen the crossings, Kuznica and Bobrownikil, located in the northeastern part of the country, came after "securing the border," where large numbers of migrants have been trying to cross into Poland, Polish broadcaster TVP World reported, citing the Interior Ministry.

Poland closed Kuznica in November 2021, accusing Belarus of trying to push hundreds of migrants across the border, while Bobrowniki was shut down in February 2023, after a Belarusian court sentenced Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut to prison.

Polish officials said they consulted the local authorities and business owners, who had long urged the government to restore at least one road link to Belarus.

In October, Prime Minister Donald Tusk hinted at the reopening, saying that the move would be taken "on a trial basis" and in consultation with Lithuania.

Until the reopening, only the Terespol–Brest crossing was available for passenger traffic.

Under the new arrangements, the Kuznica–Bruzgi crossing will handle only passenger vehicles, excluding buses, while Bobrowniki–Bierestovitsa will allow cars, buses, and freight vehicles, according to the report.