In July, Townhall reported how Finland passed a temporary bill to allow border agents to turn away asylum seekers at its border with Russia.
This move reportedly occurred after Finland accused Russia of “weaponizing” migration by encouraging migrants from Syria, Somalia, and other countries to cross the border. The two countries share over 800 miles of border. This, officials in Finland said, was retaliation for Finland joining NATO. NATO supports Ukraine against Russia.
Last month, Townhall reported how Norway may put a fence along part of all of the 123-mile border it shares with Russia. The countries share a border at the northern section of the country.
Then, Polish officials indicated that they would beef up their border controls against Russia. These efforts will be accelerated, however, which EuroNews reported this week.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday that construction of the so-called "East Shield' project will begin by the end of this year, not next year, as planned (via EuroNews):
The project will include the construction of military fortifications and other defence measures, physical barriers, state-of-the-art airspace monitoring systems, and electronic equipment and systems.
The first exercises in testing elements for the construction of the East Shield began at the military training ground in Orzysz, in north-eastern Poland. The fortifications are to appear over a length of approximately 800 kilometres, wherever they are needed. Their construction is expected to last four years.
Among the exercises were scenarios like crossing the Polish border by enemy forces, attempting to overcome an anti-tank ditch and concrete hedgehog barrier by enemy soldiers, establishing fire contact, and an attempt to bypass the barrier.
On X, Tusk wrote that it is “our right and our duty is to protect the Polish and European border.”
“Its security will not be subject to negotiation. With anyone. It is a task to be performed. And my government will perform this task,” he explained.
Naszym prawem i naszym obowiązkiem jest ochrona polskiej i europejskiej granicy. Jej bezpieczeństwo nie będzie przedmiotem negocjacji. Z nikim. Jest zadaniem do wykonania. I mój rząd to zadanie wykona.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) October 14, 2024