Tensions over and around the Suwałki Corridor between Poland and Lithuania, the only land route between the Baltic states and the rest of NATO, combined with tensions involving Poland, Ukraine and Belarus, have become yet another dangerous potential flashpoint for war between the North Atlantic alliance and Russia. Retired Polish Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak told the Polish state news agency PAP on July 31 that Poland and the NATO alliance have a considerable advantage over Russian and Belarusian forces there, and are well prepared to repel any attack. Skrzypczak, a former commander of Poland’s land forces, told PAP that an armed assault by Russia on the Suwałki Corridor was unlikely as it would represent “military aggression against NATO” and an attempt to start World War III. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “afraid of such a prospect” as “Russia would disappear” under such a scenario.
At the same time, Skrzypczak said that the Suwałki Corridor could be used “for hybrid actions and espionage.” He told PAP that the Kremlin would “seek to provoke NATO in this area,” but stressed that Poland had amassed “enormous potential,” including three combat-ready divisions. “We hold a crushing advantage over the army of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Wagner Group fighters in this region.” He added pointedly: “American forces are stationed in Poland, while Canadian and German troops are deployed in Lithuania, on the other side of the border. Everyone is prepared for a defensive operation.”
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, on a visit with farmers in Brest yesterday, shrugged off Polish hysteria about Wagner troops supposedly near the border with Poland. “Poland is beside itself, alleging that a detachment of as many as 100 members is coming here. Meanwhile, no Wagner detachments of 100 members moved here,” he said, reported TASS. “And even if they did, their only goal was to share their combat experience with the brigades stationed in Brest and Grodno.” According to him, the Wagner fighters who relocated to Belarus remain in a camp near the city of Osipovichi.
