Poland has deployed 40,000 troops along its eastern border with Belarus in preparation for Russia’s “Zapad 2025” military exercises, in a move highlighting heightened tensions across Europe.

The deployment follows Warsaw’s claim earlier this week that Russian drones violated its airspace — an allegation Moscow has denied.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the upcoming drills as “highly aggressive” and confirmed that his government has ordered the closure of the border with Belarus as a precaution against what he called a “dangerous military display.”

The move comes as Europe remains on high alert, amid fears the war in Ukraine could spill over into neighboring countries.