As NATO fortifies its eastern border with high fences and surveillance cameras in response to ongoing tensions, Russia has adopted alternative methods to exert pressure on the West by reportedly smuggling migrants through secret tunnels connecting Belarus and Poland. This development follows a years-long increase in migrant arrivals at the Poland-Belarus border, which has led to heightened security measures in Poland, including the construction of extensive barriers along the border. In 2024, Poland experienced a surge in migrant crossings, prompting the government to enact legislation allowing law enforcement to conduct 'pushbacks', for instance, forcibly returning migrants without processing their asylum claims.

The smuggling operation highlights Russia's strategic maneuvering in the proxy conflict with the West, where it leverages regional instability to achieve its geopolitical goals. The situation has sparked concerns in Poland and the wider European Union regarding border security and the treatment of migrants. The Polish government faces pressure to manage rising numbers of migrants while addressing the humanitarian implications of pushback policies, which have been criticized by various human rights organizations.

As this scenario evolves, it poses significant challenges not only for Poland but also for EU unity and comprehensive approaches to immigration policy. The use of clandestine routes suggests a new phase in the migrant crisis, where protocol violations may complicate diplomatic relations and necessitate robust cooperation among EU states to address both security and humanitarian aspects effectively.