Thousands of soldiers accompanied by tanks were filmed on the streets of Warsaw as Poland prepares to defend itself against the threat of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus.
A video posted to social media shows huge columns of military vehicles moving on a motorway in preparation for the annual Army Day Parade in the capital.
The movement comes as the country sends 10,000 additional troops to the Belarusian border to defend against a potential attack by Russia’s ally Belarus – where Wagner mercenaries have set up shop.
The parade celebrates the 103rd anniversary of the Polish victory at the Battle of Warsaw in which Poland defeated the Soviet Union.
“The service of soldiers Polish Army makes our border safe,” the country’s defence ministry said in a tweet.
It added: “After three years, the largest parade of the Polish Army returns on August 15 at 2.00pm on Warsaw’s Wisłostrada. We will present 200 military units and 92 aircraft accompanied by 2000 soldiers!
“Soldiers of all types of the Polish Armed Forces will present the most modern equipment of Polish, Korean and American production, which has been purchased in recent years.”
The troop movements in the capital come as Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced 10,000 troops would be deployed to the border to combat the Wagner and Belarusian threat there.
Warsaw has accused Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko of sending migrants into Poland in an act of “hybrid warfare”.
Officials have also voiced concern that Wagner mercenaries stationed in Belarus could disguise themselves as migrants and enter Poland.
In addition, tensions soared after two Belarusian helicopters briefly entered Polish airspace. Minsk has denied the incident occurred but social media video appears to show the aircraft over Poland.
