Poland says it is taking steps to counter any threat from military drills in Belarus

10, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Poland is expected to announce a state of emergency on Thursday in regions bordering Belarus after a sharp increase in migrants from countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan trying to cross the border, and the "West-2021" exercises have added to tensions. "We are using all means possible to monitor this exercise," the defence ministry said in an emailed statement.

Poland is taking all steps necessary to counter any threats that could take place during military exercises in Belarus organized by the Russian army that will start on Sept. 10, the defense ministry said on Thursday. Poland is expected to announce a state of emergency on Thursday in regions bordering Belarus after a sharp increase in migrants from countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan trying to cross the border, and the "West-2021" exercises have added to tensions.

"We are using all means possible to monitor this exercise," the defense ministry said in an emailed statement. "At the same time, we are taking all necessary (political and military) measures to neutralize possible threats or provocations," it said, adding that it would not give exact details of what the measures were.

The "West-2021" drills will involve thousands of service personnel, including those from Moscow-led defense bloc member Kazakhstan, as well as tanks, artillery, and aircraft.