Poland warns of Russian hybrid strikes on Ukraine supporters
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a stern warning that Russia is planning "hybrid strikes" against countries supporting Ukraine, citing what he described as very consistent and convincing intelligence assessments. Speaking during a solemn address marking the 87th anniversary of the 1939 Soviet invasion of Poland, Tusk emphasized that Warsaw will not be intimidated by Moscow's escalating aggression. He stated that if anyone dares to attack Poland, they will face a resolute response from both Polish forces and their allies.
Tusk noted that while he would prefer to focus solely on heroic deeds recorded in history books, the current geopolitical climate does not permit such silence. He remarked that history does not repeat itself but rhymes, urging listeners to interpret these historical parallels with due seriousness. The Prime Minister pointed to recent incidents involving Russia, including drone incursions into Polish airspace last year, a Russian missile straying into Poland in July, and various provocations at the Polish-Ukrainian border. According to Tusk, Russia is already waging a hybrid war using drones, sabotage acts, and internet disinformation, and allies have indicated that further provocations may occur in the coming months.
In his speech, Tusk drew parallels between the current situation and the events leading up to World War II. He recalled that in May 1939, a French politician, who later became a Nazi collaborator, questioned why anyone should die for Gdańsk. A few months later, Europe was engulfed in war. Tusk reminded his audience that in 1939, alliances existed only on paper, leaving Poland isolated. Today, however, Poland is a member of NATO and the European Union, which provides crucial support. He highlighted that Poland spends nearly five percent of its GDP on defense, almost twice as much as Germany and France, and is building one of the strongest armies in Europe. Additionally, Poland secured €44 billion from the EU’s SAFE programme, the largest amount among all EU countries.
Tusk also mentioned that Polish borders are now the best marked on the continent, contrasting this with the lack of support Europe offered in 1939. He assured those who look at the future with anxiety that Poland is not seeking war but is prepared to defend itself. In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron convened chiefs of different political parties to discuss crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, focusing on their consequences on the energy market. The meeting, scheduled for Friday morning at 10:30 am local time, will include military and intelligence officers sharing information provided to Macron, according to his office.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
