The European Union is preparing to up its sanctions against Belarus as the crisis on the country’s border with Poland continues

Top EU officials have confirmed their intentions, saying vulnerable migrants are being exploited in a “hybrid war” that is “intensifying”.

Belarus has been accused of directing migrants from the Middle East towards the Polish border in retaliation for previous sanctions that were imposed on its government and leader, Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus is denying the accusations, with Lukashenko calling them “absurd”.

Temperatures in the region have been dipping below zero… as thousands of migrants continue to be blocked at a crossing by Polish troops.

The individuals are trapped between Polish guards on one side and Belarusian guards on the other.

It’s believed they are both being prevented from entering Poland whilst also denied entry back into Belarus.