Warsaw: Poland has declared its intention to place up to one million mines along its borders with Russia and Belarus, according to a statement from the country's deputy defense minister. The decision, reported by local media on Thursday, marks a significant shift in the nation's defense strategy.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement comes shortly after Poland, along with the Baltic states, revealed plans to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty of 1997. Pawel Bejda, the deputy defense minister, emphasized that the move is driven by the serious and immediate security threats perceived at Poland's frontiers with its neighboring countries, Russia and Belarus.

Bejda also noted that while Poland currently does not possess anti-personnel mines, the nation has the capability to manufacture them. This production would be a collaborative effort between public and private arms enterprises, highlighting Poland's readiness to enhance its border security through domestic resources.