Belarusian authorities have expressed their willingness to investigate the death of a Polish soldier who was stabbed at the border last month, pending concrete information from Poland. The soldier was attacked by a migrant at the eastern border with Belarus, with conflicting reports suggesting he was stabbed in the chest or lung. The Polish foreign ministry has demanded that Belarus identify and hand over the soldier’s murderer, following the tragic incident. The situation at the EU’s eastern border is tense, as thousands of individuals from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa attempt to breach the metal barrier erected by Poland in 2022.
The Polish soldier, identified as Mateusz Sitek, died from a stab wound to the lung that caused central nervous system damage, according to an autopsy performed by the Warsaw prosecutor’s office. Reports indicate that he was only 21 years old at the time of his death, adding to the tragedy of the situation. The Polish Border Guard has reported over 17,000 attempts at illegally crossing the border this year, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by officials in managing the influx of migrants. Belarus has indicated its readiness to cooperate with Poland in conducting an investigation into the soldier’s death, should the necessary information be provided.
The Belarusian border service has vowed to undertake a unilateral or joint investigation into the incident once specific details are shared by Polish authorities. This marks a significant development in the case, as tensions continue to rise along the eastern border of the EU. The violent nature of the soldier’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the Polish government, urging Belarus to take swift action in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator responsible for the attack. The situation remains complex, with both countries under pressure to address the growing challenges posed by the ongoing migration crisis.
Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski has condemned the attack on the Polish soldier and demanded accountability from Belarus in resolving the case. The tragic death of Mateusz Sitek has underscored the dangers faced by security personnel at the border, as they work to prevent illegal crossings and maintain order in the region. The incident has also highlighted the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding at the eastern border, with thousands of individuals seeking refuge and safety in the EU. As efforts continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death, the need for cooperation and dialogue between Poland and Belarus is crucial in addressing the underlying issues fueling the migration crisis.
