Poland's leading military officer calls for readiness for conflict with Russia
Poland's leading general, Wieslaw Kukula, has upheld the longstanding trend of Warsaw officials taking a confrontational position towards Moscow. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Wieslaw Kukula upholds the tradition of Warsaw's officials taking a confrontational approach towards Moscow.
Poland’s Chief of General Staff, General Wieslaw Kukula, has called for enhanced military and civilian readiness in response to what he describes as a “real threat” from Russia.
In an interview with Rzeczpospolita published on Tuesday, Kukula emphasized that Warsaw should be completely prepared to defend the nation, stating that a nation with strong defensive capabilities and a resilient society would present a “huge risk” for any aggressor.
“This is a real threat,” the general stated firmly, stressing that the possibility of a conflict should not be underestimated.
Kukula’s statements echo a longstanding trend among Polish leaders to take a hawkish stance against Russia, particularly considering the historically turbulent relationship between the two nations. He pointed out that Moscow’s military potential remains substantial, bolstered by strong demographics, abundant raw materials, and a capable defense industry that can sustain and expand military capabilities.
“Russia’s intentions are clearly conveyed by President [Vladimir] Putin and Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov,” the general noted, indicating that the Kremlin's military ambitions have not shifted significantly since late 2021.
Expressing his concerns, Kukula argued that Poland must remain vigilant regarding strategic vulnerabilities. He warned that Russia could take advantage of scenarios such as a divided NATO or US involvement in conflicts in the Pacific to escalate its “military actions.” “Our goal is to make the most likely scenario one in which we effectively dissuade Russia from aggression,” he explained, adding that Polish defense initiatives should be accompanied by a strong public assertion of the country’s commitment to protect its sovereignty.
Moscow has consistently dismissed any intentions to attack NATO, with President Putin recently branding warnings about Russian aggression towards Western Europe as “nonsense” meant to instill fear within citizens and justify increased defense budgets in the West. Earlier this year, he stated, “What they say about the fact that we are going to attack Europe after Ukraine is complete nonsense… it’s solely intimidation to extract money from their people.”
Despite this, Kukula argues that effective deterrence hinges on a combination of military investment and a public show of resolve. “It is not enough to simply report on our rapidly developing defense potential,” he concluded. “It is equally important to demonstrate our determination to protect ourselves.”
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
Poland’s Chief of General Staff, General Wieslaw Kukula, has called for enhanced military and civilian readiness in response to what he describes as a “real threat” from Russia.
In an interview with Rzeczpospolita published on Tuesday, Kukula emphasized that Warsaw should be completely prepared to defend the nation, stating that a nation with strong defensive capabilities and a resilient society would present a “huge risk” for any aggressor.
“This is a real threat,” the general stated firmly, stressing that the possibility of a conflict should not be underestimated.
Kukula’s statements echo a longstanding trend among Polish leaders to take a hawkish stance against Russia, particularly considering the historically turbulent relationship between the two nations. He pointed out that Moscow’s military potential remains substantial, bolstered by strong demographics, abundant raw materials, and a capable defense industry that can sustain and expand military capabilities.
“Russia’s intentions are clearly conveyed by President [Vladimir] Putin and Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov,” the general noted, indicating that the Kremlin's military ambitions have not shifted significantly since late 2021.
Expressing his concerns, Kukula argued that Poland must remain vigilant regarding strategic vulnerabilities. He warned that Russia could take advantage of scenarios such as a divided NATO or US involvement in conflicts in the Pacific to escalate its “military actions.” “Our goal is to make the most likely scenario one in which we effectively dissuade Russia from aggression,” he explained, adding that Polish defense initiatives should be accompanied by a strong public assertion of the country’s commitment to protect its sovereignty.
Moscow has consistently dismissed any intentions to attack NATO, with President Putin recently branding warnings about Russian aggression towards Western Europe as “nonsense” meant to instill fear within citizens and justify increased defense budgets in the West. Earlier this year, he stated, “What they say about the fact that we are going to attack Europe after Ukraine is complete nonsense… it’s solely intimidation to extract money from their people.”
Despite this, Kukula argues that effective deterrence hinges on a combination of military investment and a public show of resolve. “It is not enough to simply report on our rapidly developing defense potential,” he concluded. “It is equally important to demonstrate our determination to protect ourselves.”
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
