Polish Prime Minister Intends to Increase Army Size by 100%
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has unveiled intentions to significantly increase the nation's military capacity, pointing to security apprehensions regarding Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a plan to significantly expand the nation’s military, aiming to increase its size to 500,000 personnel. During a speech in the Polish Parliament on Friday, Tusk emphasized the need for Poland to prepare for potential future conflicts and bolster its defenses.
He reiterated his belief that Russia represents a threat to Europe, warning that Moscow could initiate a “full-scale operation” against a “larger” target than Ukraine within three to four years—a claim that Russia has consistently dismissed as unfounded. Tusk asserted that Poland should act as a “bastion” for NATO’s eastern flank and improve its military capabilities.
“We’re talking about the need to have an army of half-a-million in Poland, including the reservists,” he stated, highlighting that Poland's current military force is around 200,000, in stark contrast to Russia's estimated 1.3 million troops. Tusk revealed that his administration is working on legislation to mandate “large-scale military training” for every adult male in Poland to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia.
“We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats,” he explained. He noted that Polish women might also be included in this training requirement, although he remarked that “war is still to a greater extent the domain of men.”
Tusk’s comments followed a recent decision by EU leaders to endorse a substantial military spending initiative aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. The ReArm Europe plan, approved during an emergency summit in Brussels, is set to increase defense spending by up to €800 billion—doubling the EU's total defense expenditures for 2024. The Kremlin has criticized this initiative, labeling it a “militarization” effort that could escalate tensions and hinder peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
In addition to expanding the army, Tusk highlighted the necessity for Poland to bolster its military capabilities through the procurement of nuclear and “modern unconventional weapons.” His speech dovetailed with his recent assertions that Moscow is instigating a new arms race and calls for increased defense spending from other EU nations.
The Kremlin has denounced Tusk’s statements as confrontational and militaristic. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the allegations of a military threat to Europe as “nonsense,” asserting that such claims are merely being used to justify larger military budgets.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
He reiterated his belief that Russia represents a threat to Europe, warning that Moscow could initiate a “full-scale operation” against a “larger” target than Ukraine within three to four years—a claim that Russia has consistently dismissed as unfounded. Tusk asserted that Poland should act as a “bastion” for NATO’s eastern flank and improve its military capabilities.
“We’re talking about the need to have an army of half-a-million in Poland, including the reservists,” he stated, highlighting that Poland's current military force is around 200,000, in stark contrast to Russia's estimated 1.3 million troops. Tusk revealed that his administration is working on legislation to mandate “large-scale military training” for every adult male in Poland to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia.
“We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, so that this reserve is comparable and adequate to the potential threats,” he explained. He noted that Polish women might also be included in this training requirement, although he remarked that “war is still to a greater extent the domain of men.”
Tusk’s comments followed a recent decision by EU leaders to endorse a substantial military spending initiative aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. The ReArm Europe plan, approved during an emergency summit in Brussels, is set to increase defense spending by up to €800 billion—doubling the EU's total defense expenditures for 2024. The Kremlin has criticized this initiative, labeling it a “militarization” effort that could escalate tensions and hinder peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
In addition to expanding the army, Tusk highlighted the necessity for Poland to bolster its military capabilities through the procurement of nuclear and “modern unconventional weapons.” His speech dovetailed with his recent assertions that Moscow is instigating a new arms race and calls for increased defense spending from other EU nations.
The Kremlin has denounced Tusk’s statements as confrontational and militaristic. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the allegations of a military threat to Europe as “nonsense,” asserting that such claims are merely being used to justify larger military budgets.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
