In a bold stance on national security, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has unveiled plans to significantly enhance Poland’s military capabilities amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe. Speaking to the Sejm, the lower house of Poland’s parliament, on Friday, Tusk outlined a strategy to expand the military from its current strength of 200,000 soldiers to a formidable force of 500,000. This comes at a time when concerns regarding the geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of military actions by Russia and shifting US policies, have intensified across the region.

Tusk mentioned serious discussions with France regarding Poland’s potential inclusion under the French nuclear umbrella, a proposal that aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent offer to extend nuclear protections to European allies. Tusk stated, “We must be aware that Poland must reach for the most modern capabilities also related to nuclear weapons… this is a race for security, not for war,” highlighting the urgency he perceives in securing advanced military resources.

In addition to nuclear discussions, Tusk has proposed that all adult males in Poland undergo military training, with the aim of creating a robust reserve force prepared to respond to crises. He emphasized that this model would not be compulsory, akin to the Swiss military service system. “Every healthy man should want to train to be able to defend the homeland in case of need… it will not be a burden on people,” he explained, noting that women would also be allowed to volunteer.

The announcement comes in a broader context of geopolitical uncertainty, particularly following former US President Donald Trump’s controversial shift in policy toward Ukraine, during which military aid was reportedly withheld and support for Ukraine’s position was undermined. Tusk voiced concerns over the implications of Ukraine’s potential defeat, suggesting that such an outcome would lead to a precarious situation for Poland and its Eastern borders, which also serve as NATO’s boundary.

Jaroslaw Kaczyński, the leader of Poland’s largest opposition party, Law and Justice, supported Tusk’s initiative but underscored the need for a societal shift in mindset along with military readiness. He remarked, “Poland’s job is to guard its eastern border, which is also the border of NATO… we will have a return to the chivalric ethos,” stressing the importance of a collective societal perspective on defence.

Poland has been proactive in its military expenditures, already the highest spender within NATO, committing to an increase in its defence budget from 4.7% to 5% of GDP. Tusk reiterated Poland’s enduring commitment to its alliance with the US and NATO, rejecting any notion of disengagement. He declared, “Poland is not changing its opinion on the need… to maintain the closest possible ties with the United States and NATO.”

Amid these developments, alarming reports have emerged from Ukraine, where Russian missile attacks have persisted, targeting energy facilities and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Ukrainian forces are reportedly struggling against Russia’s larger military, which numbers around 1.3 million personnel. Tusk’s announcement underscores Poland’s desire to bolster its defence capabilities at a time of rising threats, reflecting an urgent response to the shifting dynamics of security in Europe.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Poland’s military expansion and its discussions with France regarding nuclear protection remain critical focal points in the broader European security landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services