Russia Sends Thousands of Migrants Through Belarusian Tunnels to Destabilise Poland and Pressure European Union Borders

Tensions on Europe’s eastern frontier are escalating as Russia and its ally, Belarus, reportedly send thousands of migrants into Poland through secret tunnels.

Officials and analysts describe this as part of a hybrid war strategy designed to destabilize the West and exert pressure on NATO nations.

Lt Col Katarzyna Zdanowicz from the Polish border force revealed that in 2025, four tunnels were uncovered under the Poland-Belarus border.

“Physical and electronic security measures at the border, such as thermal imaging cameras and detection systems, allow us to immediately respond to any attempted violations of the state border, even underground ones,” she said.

Tunnels Designed With Middle Eastern Expertise

One of the most significant tunnels was discovered near the village of Narewka in December.

Measuring approximately 50 metres on the Belarusian side and 10 metres in Poland, it had a 1.5-metre-high entrance hidden in a forest.

Around 180 migrants—mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan—used this tunnel, though most were arrested.

Polish authorities claim Belarus employed specialists from the Middle East to construct these tunnels.

Military experts suggest that groups with experience in underground operations, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic State, may have provided technical expertise.

Dr Lynette Nusbacher noted that similar methods were widely used in southern Lebanon and Gaza, while former Israeli intelligence officer Sarit Zehavi suggested Kurdish militias and other groups could also contribute knowledge.

Poland’s Response to the Threat

Polish authorities say they can respond to tunnels by locating entry points and destroying them, though they remain wary of new tunnels emerging.

Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek emphasized that the presence of these tunnels indicates the border forces are effective.

“Digging these tunnels means that our effectiveness in stopping migration is so high that it was decided to bring in specialists from the Middle East to dig them,” he said.

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Poland’s border security has been bolstered over the years with a 200 km fence and 300 cameras, originally built to counter earlier migrant flows from Belarus.

Wider Context: Russia’s Hybrid Warfare

The discovery of tunnels is part of a broader campaign by Russia and Belarus to destabilize Europe and punish Western countries supporting Ukraine.

Belarus has also interfered with air traffic by sending balloons carrying contraband into NATO countries.

Meanwhile, sabotage of railways and factories supplying Ukraine has been reported, alongside other hybrid warfare tactics.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has warned that the country is increasingly integrated with Russia’s military operations.

She noted the deployment of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system in Belarus and the presence of roughly 300 Belarusian enterprises supporting Russia’s military production.

Nuclear-Capable Missiles Heighten Risk

Russia has stationed Oreshnik hypersonic missiles in Belarus, which can reach the UK in roughly eight minutes.

While currently armed with conventional payloads, the missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, raising alarm among European security experts.

Analysts interpret these moves as both intimidation tactics toward Ukraine and the West, and as signals of domestic strength for Russian leadership.

Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the geopolitical stakes, warning that if the democratic world fails to support Ukraine adequately, Russia may continue its expansion, threatening not just Ukraine but Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia.

She stressed that Belarus’ fate is tied to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, with long-term consequences for European security.

What’s Next?

• Polish authorities are likely to continue monitoring and destroying tunnels while enhancing border security.

• NATO and EU nations will watch Belarus closely for further escalation or hybrid warfare tactics.

• Ukraine’s ongoing conflict may draw more direct support or intervention from Western nations to counter Russian influence in Belarus.

• Belarusian infrastructure aiding Russia’s military efforts could face targeted sanctions or operational disruption.

Summary

Russia and Belarus are reportedly using secret tunnels to push migrants into Poland as part of a hybrid war against Europe.

These tunnels, designed with expertise from Middle Eastern specialists, have been largely intercepted by Polish authorities.

The move forms part of a broader strategy, including missile deployments and industrial support for Russia, to pressure the West while strengthening Russia’s military footprint.

Belarusian opposition leaders warn that failure to support Ukraine could embolden Russian aggression, putting wider European security at risk.