DISINFO: Poland may conduct provocations at the border using military force against women and children
SUMMARY
The aggravation of the migration situation on the Belarusian-Polish border is a consequence of the long-term disregard for objective reality by Poland. This country should not carry out provocations against Belarus – these provocations may be conducted in order to justify possible illegal military actions against the injured unarmed people, including underage children and women.
Belarus has repeatedly called on its neighbours to start a diplomatic dialogue and constructive cooperation in order to solve the cross-border issues.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about the migration situation on the EU-Belarus borders.
The situation was caused by Belarus as a response to EU sanctions imposed on Minsk for its oppressive measures against the political opposition. There is plenty of evidence that the Belarusian authorities have instigated the ongoing irregular migration flows to the EU borders via Belarus.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the situation on the EU-Belarus border is "the attempt of an authoritarian regime to try to destabilise its democratic neighbours". Similarly, High Representative Borrell has highlighted that the Lukashenka regime is weaponising human beings as a tool for political purposes by giving migrants false expectations and putting them in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
On 15 November 2021, the EU broadened the scope for sanctions to tackle hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants. The EU will now be able to target individuals and entities organising or contributing to activities by the Lukashenka regime that facilitate the illegal crossing of the EU's external borders.
See related examples of disinformation claims about migration here.
See our earlier articles on the Belarus migrants situation here and here.