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Why did Poland reopen its Belarus border?
Summary
Warsaw ended the closure imposed during the Russia-led exercises, pointing to lower security risks and economic considerations.
Why did Poland reopen its border with Belarus on 24 September 2025? As reported at the time, Warsaw cited reduced security risks and economic considerations after it had shut the crossings during Russia-led military exercises.
The exercises in question were Zapad 2025, a joint Russian-Belarusian strategic drill held in Belarus on 12–16 September 2025. Belarus said the drills would test the defensive readiness of the Union State, with main activities at central training areas near Barysaw and a reciprocal movement of units between the two countries.
It was the first Zapad exercise since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Authorities described a scaled-down format, with locations deeper inside Belarus.
The reopening on 24 September 2025 came after the exercises had ended. Poland's stated reasoning combined two strands: the security picture had eased, and there were economic reasons to restore the crossings.
