Belarus Detains Polish National for Alleged Espionage Over Zapad-25 Documents

Belarusian authorities have arrested a Polish citizen, Grzegorz Gawel, on suspicion of espionage related to the upcoming Belarusian-Russian Zapad-25 military exercises. Gawel was detained in the city of Lepel by Belarus' State Security Committee (KGB) while in possession of secret military documents and foreign currency, and was caught on video receiving classified information minutes before his arrest. He allegedly recruited a Belarusian national to assist in gathering intelligence on Belarusian military facilities, promising financial compensation and gifts in exchange. Belarusian state media described the evidence of espionage as irrefutable, while Polish officials condemned the arrest as a provocation and pledged to respond. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Belarus and Poland, particularly amid Belarus' close alliance with Russia and the strategic significance of the Zapad exercises near NATO borders. This arrest follows previous detentions of foreign agents in Belarus, highlighting the country's vigilance against espionage activities.