Poland has increased its defense spending to nearly 5% of GDP and is accelerating military preparations, citing heightened concerns over potential Russian aggression. The moves follow recent threats from Russia against Britain and warnings from Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk, who stated in an Aug. 17 interview: 'We are preparing for war, hoping that it never happens.'
Polish Embassy officials in Washington emphasized that the defense buildup is intended as a deterrent, invoking the principle Si vis pacem, para bellum—'If you want peace, prepare for war.' The embassy framed the measures as a response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and what Poland describes as Moscow’s imperial ambitions in Eastern Europe.
A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, echoed these concerns, alleging a pattern of escalating Russian pressure across multiple fronts. The diplomat cited disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, sabotage efforts, and frequent tests of Poland’s air defenses as evidence of hybrid warfare targeting NATO’s eastern flank. The diplomat further warned that nuclear rhetoric from Russian officials and propagandists has intensified, stating: 'Altogether, it shows quite clearly that if Russia or Belarus saw any chance to attack Poland to destroy an obstacle to restoring the Soviet or Tsarist Russian empire in Eastern Europe, they would do it without hesitation.'
Poland’s defense spending increase is part of a broader strategy to strengthen deterrence amid what officials describe as 'constant signals' from Russia seeking to reassert control over its neighbors. The Polish Embassy noted that the accelerated preparations are not intended to signal inevitability of conflict but rather to ensure readiness in the face of perceived threats.
The developments come as Russia has issued 'consequences' warnings against Britain, raising concerns among NATO allies about potential direct testing of the alliance’s resolve. Polish officials have framed their actions as a necessary response to what they view as a deliberate campaign by Moscow to undermine regional stability through hybrid tactics and military posturing.