The incident occurred in the early morning of May 28 near the village of Dubicze Cerkiewne in Poland's eastern Podlaskie region.
The soldier, a private in the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade, part of the 18th Mechanized Division, was attacked by a person who managed to stab him in the chest area using a knife attached to a stick through a breach in the steel barrier.
Despite immediate medical help at the scene and subsequent efforts by doctors, the soldier succumbed to his injuries on Thursday at the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, surrounded by family and fellow soldiers, the military said.
The General Command detailed that psychological and organizational support was being provided to the deceased’s family, with further assistance planned according to their wishes.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his condolences, emphasizing that the young soldier, identified only as Mateusz, "gave his life defending the borders of the Republic."
On social media, Tusk wrote, "The homeland and fellow citizens will not forget this sacrifice. I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones."
In response to the attack, Tusk last week announced the creation of a 200-meter buffer zone at the border, with the Ministry of Interior and Administration finalizing the regulations, which officials said were delayed due to consultations with local governments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also paid tribute, stating, "With deep regret, we say goodbye to our soldier Mateusz, who died after a brutal attack while defending the Polish border. His sacrifice and dedication are examples of the highest bravery."
Polish forces frequently confront pressures at the Poland-Belarus border, where officials say thousands of people transported to the border by Belarusian authorities are attempting to cross illegally.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
