German army helps Poland protect itself against Russia
Poland is building a defense system along its northern and eastern borders to protect itself from Russia. Since June, German sappers have been assisting their NATO ally with the construction of the East Shield.
In 2024, Poland began constructing a defensive barrier known as the East Shield along its border with Russia and Belarus. This system, stretching 800 kilometers, aims to protect Poland on NATO's eastern flank from potential eastern attacks. Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk inspected the first completed section in November 2024 and emphasized that the project serves to deter and discourage aggressors.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 deeply shook Poland's sense of security, prompting the government to increase defense spending to 200 billion zlotys (46 billion euros, or 54 billion dollars) in 2026, which is nearly 5% of Poland's GDP. Poland now spends more on defense than any other NATO member. The German army has been instrumental in assisting Poland's efforts, sending around 40 combat engineers to establish the defenses near Budry in Masuria.
These German soldiers are installing anti-tank obstacles, including barriers made of Czech hedgehogs, and deep ditches to impede enemy troop movement. German General Tito Gante praised the Polish soldiers' comradely atmosphere and the effectiveness of their German colleagues. The German contingent will remain in Poland until October, with plans to deploy sappers to other sections of the East Shield.
This collaboration symbolizes Poland's desire to convince its Western partners that the eastern border is also the external border of the EU and NATO, and both countries have a history of close military cooperation since joining NATO in 1999.
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