The Kremlin said Russia is trying to resolve the situation. The EU is reportedly preparing sanctions against a Russian airline over the transportation of migrants to Belarus.

Religious and political leaders branded the march in the central city of Kalisz a vehicle for hate that did not add to the patriotism of the celebration. Israel called for its organizers to be brought to justice.

Poland's PM Mateusz Morawiecki slammed Belarus' efforts to use migrants as "weapons" against the bloc ahead of talks with EU leaders. He also accused Belarus of having the "back-room support" of Russian President Putin.

Citizens of Afghanistan were by far the biggest group of people applying for asylum in the EU, Switzerland and Norway in September 2021.

Brussels says the Belarusian government created the crisis by luring migrants with false promises. But some say Poland and the EU are ignoring human suffering.

Alexander Lukaschenko deployed brutal troops and police to crush protests at his rule. Hundreds of opposition business people, journalists and protesters have been arrested — others have fled the country.

UN representatives traveling to the region described the situation as "appalling," calling on both countries to live up to their human rights obligations.

The United Nations has urged Belarus and Poland to address the "appalling situation" at their common border. Migrants were being pushed back and forth across the border and left with little food, clean water or shelter, the UN human rights office said.

Doctors Without Borders removed its team on the Belarus-Poland border after Warsaw blocked access to migrants trying to enter the European Union. Camped in harsh conditions, several people have died on the EU's doorstep.

A senior official has admitted the government bought the controversial Pegasus spyware, but rejected claims it was used to monitor political opponents. The scandal has drawn comparisons to Watergate in the United States.

The dispute surrounds a controversial disciplinary committee for judges set up by the government. Critics say the committee has become politicized and is being used to influence judges. DW met a judge who lost his job because of a ruling by the committee.

UK and Poland won't accept neighbourhood bully, says PM Johnson