The state border as an element of the fight against crime in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of contemporary state security challenges in the context of protecting Poland’s eastern border, particularly in light of the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the migration pressure orchestrated by Belarus. It indicates that the evolving structure of crimes committed by foreigners requires an integrated approach combining legal, organizational, and technological instruments. Poland has responded to
these challenges by implementing infrastructural and digital solutions such as a physical barrier, a buffer zone, and an electronic surveillance system within the framework of the “Eastern Shield” program. The author emphasizes that effective border protection demands inter-agency cooperation and a balance between security and respect for human rights, which together form a crucial element in strengthening the state’s resilience to hybrid threats and cross-border crime.