Wagner Could Destabilize Eastern Flank of NATO: Polish PM Fears

 

Prime Minister of Poland
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Poland Raises Concerns Over Wagner Mercenaries Near NATO's Eastern Flank

Poland expresses concern over the deployment of Russian Wagner mercenaries near NATO's eastern flank, aiming to destabilize the alliance. The private military group is reportedly training with the Belarusian army, prompting Poland to deploy 1,000 troops closer to the border. 

Russian Wagner Mercenaries in Belarus

Poland's prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has raised concerns over the presence of Wagner mercenaries that is a Russian private military group, being moved close to NATO's eastern flank.

The group is allegedly aim to destabilizing the military alliance. 

The NATO was established to counter the then Soviet Union and stood by the US and its Allies even after cold war till date particularly in context of Ukraine War.

Joint Training with Belarus National Army 

Wagner soldiers have reportedly begun training with the Belarusian national army, prompting Poland to take precautionary measures by deploying over 1,000 troops closer to the border.

Wagner brought skepticism with itself specifically after the great and unwarranted mutiny against Russia. 

Wagner Group: A Dangerous Threat

On Tuesday, Poland accused Belarus of violating its airspace with military helicopters, further escalating tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Morawiecki emphasized the danger posed by the Wagner group, characterizing their deployment to the eastern flank as a deliberate destabilization strategy.

Meeting in the Suwalki Gap 

Poland's prime minister and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda held a meeting in the Suwalki Gap.

Suwalki Gap is a strategically significant region between Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

The region is also known as Suwalki Corridor because it connects the Baltic states to other NATO members.

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Concerns Over Wagner Fighters in Belarus 

President Nauseda expressed concerns that the number of Wagner fighters in Belarus could exceed 4,000.

He also called for coordinated measures among Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia to address the situation.

Assessing the Threat

Laurynas Kasciunas, chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee, suggested that the current combat power of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus may not pose an immediate conventional military threat. 

However, the potential danger depends on future scenarios, their armament, and orders. 

Polish Government's Stance and Election Politics 

Critics of the Polish government argue that the threat might be overstated to project a tough stance on security ahead of parliamentary elections. 

Polish opposition leader Donald Tusk accused the ruling party of using the Wagner situation for political gain, a claim the party denies. 

US Concerns and Views on Wagner Group 

The United States ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has expressed concerns about the Wagner Group.

She stated the Group's actions in Africa and its potential link to the Russian government could be perceived as a broader threat.

Belarus' Role and Relationship with Russia 

Belarus has allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to utilize its territory for the Ukraine invasion but has not directly committed its troops to the conflict.

In summary, Poland's concerns over the presence and activities of Wagner mercenaries near NATO's eastern flank have prompted precautionary military measures. 

The situation remains closely monitored, with international stakeholders expressing varying levels of concern over the potential implications of Wagner's actions.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)

Related Article: NATO is Concerned Over Wagner Presence in Belarus