In a strategic move to bolster national defense amid rising security threats, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a plan to provide military training to every adult male in the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to build a 500,000-strong military force, aiming to counter potential Russian aggression.
Speaking to the Sejm (Poland’s parliament) on Friday, Tusk outlined the goal to prepare large-scale military training that would transform civilians into effective soldiers in times of conflict. The plan, which is set to be developed by the end of the year, intends to ensure that every adult male is equipped with the skills needed to defend Poland.
Currently, Poland’s army consists of 200,000 soldiers, with an ambitious goal to increase this number to 300,000. In response to declining support from the U.S., Poland is reassessing its defense priorities. Tusk emphasized that “hard security guarantees” from the U.S. for Ukraine are now less likely, prompting Poland to take matters into its own hands.
The Prime Minister also raised the possibility of securing protection under France’s nuclear umbrella, citing Ukraine’s vulnerability after giving up its nuclear weapons. Tusk added that Poland may need to consider nuclear options to ensure its security in an increasingly volatile environment.
Poland, which has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, is already the largest contributor to NATO, with a defense budget set to rise to 4.7% of GDP in 2024. In line with other countries like Finland and Lithuania, Poland is scaling up its military readiness by offering comprehensive military service training. Tusk’s plan aligns with regional efforts to strengthen defense capabilities, noting that countries like Finland and Lithuania also have similar training programs.
Though the details of the plan remain vague, Tusk confirmed that military service would be mandatory for all adult men, while women could join voluntarily. This marks a significant shift in Poland’s defense strategy, underscoring the need to guard not only national borders but also NATO’s eastern flank.
Tusk’s proposal is not just about strengthening Poland’s military but also reinforcing the security of Europe, emphasizing Poland’s role in safeguarding the continent from external threats.
