Belarus has detained a man from Poland on suspicion of spying. The arrest was reported by local state television and quickly spread across regional media.

A Sudden Arrest Raises Alarms

Officials claimed the man was caught with documents linked to upcoming Belarusian-Russian military exercises. Authorities said they also detained a Belarusian citizen connected to the case.

The incident took place in Lepel, a town located east of the capital city, Minsk. According to reports, agents from the state security service carried out the operation. Television broadcasts showed claims that the Polish citizen received sensitive military material only minutes before being taken into custody.

Officials added that he was carrying Belarusian and foreign cash, as well as a SIM card registered under someone else’s name. The state news service said there was clear evidence of espionage, with the arrest even recorded on video. They further alleged that the man tried to recruit the Belarusian national working with him by offering money and small gifts.

Poland Calls It a Provocation

The arrest did not go unnoticed across the border. Polish authorities quickly described it as a deliberate provocation. They linked the timing of the case to the upcoming Zapad-25 military drills that Belarus and Russia plan to hold this month.

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Representatives from Poland’s special services said the move was an attempt to target their country. A deputy minister speaking on television added that Belarus’s actions would not go unanswered. However, no details were given on what steps Poland might take in response.

The relationship between the two nations has been tense for years. Poland has often spoken out against Belarus’s policies and its alignment with Russia, especially after the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. The two countries have also clashed over issues related to political dissent and border disputes.

Military Exercises at the Center

The controversy centers around the Zapad-25 military exercises. These drills take place every two years, alternating between Belarus and Russia. They attract significant attention because Belarus borders three NATO members – Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania. Western countries closely monitor the exercises due to their scale and location.

Belarus’s leader has long been a close ally of Russia. He allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, although he has repeatedly said that Belarusian troops would not join the fighting. Recently, Russia also moved tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus, further raising international concern.

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The arrest comes at a sensitive time, with Zapad-25 scheduled to begin soon. According to Belarusian media, the detained man was carrying a copy of a document outlining parts of these exercises. Authorities claim this proves he was engaged in spying activities.

Belarus and Poland remain deeply divided. Their strained ties stretch back years, from disagreements over protests in Belarus to disputes tied to the Ukraine conflict. This new case adds another layer of tension between the neighboring states.