Poland closed its border with Belarus at midnight Friday (Sept. 12) in response to what the Polish interior minister described as "aggressive" military exercises.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the joint Russian and Belarusian Zapad exercises were "practicing aggressive warfare scenarios" against Poland and the European Union.

Even before Friday's closure, only two border crossings between the countries had been open.

Earlier in the week the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Polish charge d'affaires to complain about the border closure which it said "caused significant difficulties." It described the measure as "an abuse of its geographical position."

The Zapad-2025 exercises will include drills on the possible use of nuclear weapons and the Russian-made, intermediate-range hypersonic Oreshnik missile, according to the Belarusian defence minister.

NATO is holding drills on its side of the border at around the same time. Both Poland and Lithuania began exercises earlier this month, with allied troops taking part.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

TERESPOL, POLAND (SEPTEMBER 12, 2025) (MARCIN KIERWINSKI VIA FACEBOOK - Access all)

1. POLISH INTERIOR MINISTER MARCIN KIERWINSKI ARRIVING FOR PRESS CONFERENCE AT BORDER CROSSING SHORTLY AFTER BORDER WAS CLOSED

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) POLISH INTERIOR MINISTER MARCIN KIERWINSKI SAYING:

"Today at midnight, we closed traffic on the Polish-Belarusian border. This is due to the beginning, actually ongoing, Zapad manoeuvres. These manoeuvres are aimed squarely at Poland and the European Union. These manoeuvres are practicing aggressive warfare scenarios against our country."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) POLISH INTERIOR MINISTER MARCIN KIERWINSKI SAYING:

"The decision I signed, the decision to close border crossings, is a decision without a specified period, the decision is valid until further notice. We will continually analyse the situation and, if necessary, make a decision to restore border traffic."

ZIELONA, POLAND (FILE - JANUARY 10, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

6. AERIAL VIEW OF POLAND-BELARUS BORDER

7. VARIOUS VIEWS OF FENCES, RAZOR WIRE AND TROOPS GUARDING POLISH SIDE OF BORDER