Warsaw - Accusing Belarus, Russia's staunch ally, of breaching its airspace with military helicopters, Poland has swiftly deployed troops to its eastern border. The situation escalated as Belarus denied any violation and counter-accused Poland of fabricating the claim to justify its troop buildup. This intensifying tension follows Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's taunts directed at Poland concerning the presence of Russian Wagner mercenaries near their shared border.

Poland's defense ministry announced its deployment of "additional forces and resources, including combat helicopters" while informing NATO about the alleged border violation. The ministry also summoned Belarus' charge d'affaires to provide an explanation. The initial denial by the Polish military was later revised after consultations, acknowledging that the breach occurred at a very low altitude, making it difficult to detect by radar.

Belarus' defense ministry countered Poland's assertion, remarking that Poland's change of stance seemed to stem from consultations with foreign powers. The Belarusian defense ministry referred to the claim as akin to an "old wives' tale," insisting there were no violations involving Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters.

Residents near the eastern Polish city of Bialowieza, close to the Belarusian border, shared accounts of alleged border breaches before Poland's defense ministry issued its statement. Belarus' role as a staging ground for Russia's Ukraine invasion has contributed to heightened tensions.

Amid historical animosities between Belarus, Poland, and Russia, Lukashenko's humorous quip about the Wagner mercenaries stationed in Belarus training his army sparked further controversy. Lukashenko mockingly suggested Poland should thank him for restraining the mercenaries from venturing into Poland.

As the situation unfolds, Poland is taking precautions by moving over 1,000 troops closer to the border. With Belarus allowing Russian Wagner fighters to train its army, tensions have escalated with Lukashenko's comments and actions, prompting Poland to view the situation as increasingly dangerous.