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Local sources from Poland: Belsat, Niezalezna.pl.
UK coverage: POLITICO Europe.

A Polish soldier identified as Mateusz has tragically lost his life after a clash with migrants at the Belarus border. The soldier, a member of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade, was stabbed by a migrant attempting to breach the steel barrier at the border near Dubicze Cerkiewne. Despite using a protective shield to block the breach, the soldier was stabbed in the chest. The knife remained lodged in his body, and he was immediately rushed to a hospital in Hajnówka. Today, it has been reported that the soldier has succumbed to his injuries and passed away in a hospital in Warsaw.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has paid tribute to the fallen soldier, hailing him as a hero who gave his life defending the border. This tragic incident is likely to be exploited by right-wing and far-right parties in Poland, who have long campaigned on anti-immigration sentiment.

The blame for the soldier’s death has been placed on the Lukashenko regime by representatives of the Belarusian opposition. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the opposition, expressed her condolences to the soldier’s family and loved ones, stating that the responsibility lies with the Lukashenko regime, which is using the migration crisis as a means to exert pressure on Poland. Paweł Łatuszka, a former diplomat, went further, accusing Lukashenko of intentionally using illegal migrants as weapons and training them to attack Polish soldiers.

In response to this incident, Poland and the European Union have accused Russia and Belarus of employing migrants as a form of hybrid warfare. Poland has recently invested in bolstering security along its eastern border to counter this threat. The soldier’s death serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by countries in the region.

As investigations into this tragic incident continue, it is crucial to remember the human cost of such conflicts. The loss of a brave soldier highlights the need for international cooperation and a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues surrounding migration and border security. Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of Mateusz, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his homeland.