By Rosemary
Polish authorities say balloons believed to be used for cigarette smuggling from Belarus crossed into Polish airspace for a third consecutive night, underscoring what officials describe as a growing pattern of hybrid threats along the country’s eastern border.
The incidents, reported between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, were described by the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces as deliberate actions aimed at probing Poland’s air defenses. In a statement published on social media, the command said the latest balloon crossings appeared to be another attempt by the Belarusian side to conduct reconnaissance and test how Polish air defense systems respond.
Military officials say the frequency of such incidents has increased noticeably. Armed forces spokesman Jacek Goryszewski said there have been more balloon-related violations in the first weeks of 2026 than during the same period last year. According to him, the rise could be linked either to a political decision taken in Minsk or to smugglers adapting their methods in response to strengthened Polish border security measures.
While the military stressed that the balloons posed no direct threat to the safety of Polish airspace, authorities nonetheless imposed temporary restrictions on civilian aviation over parts of the Podlaskie region, which borders Belarus. The measures were described as precautionary and limited in scope.
Poland’s concerns come amid broader accusations that Belarus, with the backing of Russia, is waging a hybrid campaign against neighboring countries and the European Union. Polish officials, along with leaders in the Baltic states, argue that such tactics include the orchestration of irregular migration flows, acts of sabotage and espionage, and unconventional methods such as the use of balloons to smuggle goods or conduct surveillance.
The Belarusian embassy in Warsaw did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the latest incidents.
Poland has remained on heightened alert since a series of security breaches last year. In September, Russian drones were reported to have entered Polish airspace, raising alarm within the government and military. Two months later, an explosion on a railway line used by passenger trains was attributed by Polish officials to Russian involvement, further intensifying concerns about regional security.
On Jan. 22, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces also reported observing increased activity by small unmanned aerial vehicles operating near the Polish-Belarusian border during the night. Following that incident, Poland summoned the Belarusian envoy in Warsaw, arguing that such actions were part of coordinated hybrid operations designed to destabilize the security situation and test Poland’s airspace defenses.
Maciej Wewiór, a spokesman for the Polish Foreign Affairs Ministry, said at the time that the Belarusian representative was unable to explain the role of Belarusian authorities in the incidents. He added that Poland finds it difficult to believe Minsk has no knowledge of or influence over the growing number of such actions.
Similar concerns have been voiced by neighboring Lithuania. In December, Lithuanian authorities declared a national emergency after meteorological balloons sent from Belarus repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace. The intrusions forced the temporary closure of Vilnius’ main airport on multiple occasions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Lithuanian officials described the balloon incidents as part of a Belarusian hybrid attack. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko rejected those claims, denouncing Lithuania’s decision to close parts of its border as irrational and accusing Vilnius of waging a hybrid war against his country.
As balloon incursions continue to be reported across the region, Polish officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with allies, warning that even seemingly low-tech incidents can carry broader security and political implications in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.
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