Poland’s Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told Super Express on August 17 that Warsaw is actively preparing for the possibility of war, adding, “We are preparing for war, hoping that it never happens.” The statement reflects growing concern among NATO’s eastern flank as Russia continues its war in Ukraine and signals a more aggressive posture toward its neighbors.
Increased Defense Spending and Deterrence Strategy
The Polish Embassy in Washington highlighted that Poland now spends nearly 5% of its gross domestic product on defense, invoking the Latin maxim Si vis pacem, para bellum – “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Polish officials argue that bolstering deterrence is the only viable strategy against what they describe as Moscow’s imperial ambitions.
Russian Actions Prompting Alarm
A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, warned that Russia is employing a mix of disinformation, cyber‑attacks, sabotage, and repeated tests of Poland’s air defenses. The diplomat also noted an increase in nuclear‑related rhetoric from Russian officials, suggesting a pattern of pressure on multiple fronts.
According to the diplomat, “If Russia or Belarus saw any chance to attack Poland to destroy an obstacle to restoring the Soviet or Tsarist Russian empire in Eastern Europe, they would do it without hesitation.” The diplomat stressed that the concern is not directed at ordinary Russians, stating, “We want to have Russia as a good neighbor, business partner… but the imperialists who run the Putin administration would like to turn Poland, the Baltics and, of course, Ukraine back into their colonial part of Europe.”
Former NATO Leaders Echo Warnings
Retired Air Force General Philip Breedlove, former commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (2013‑2016), said Poland’s warning reflects a broader anxiety among former military leaders. He warned that Russia may attempt a calibrated provocation designed to test NATO’s unity, asking, “Is Italy going to go to war? Is Spain going to go to war?”
Breedlove explained that such a provocation would aim to create uncertainty over whether NATO should respond collectively, potentially exposing divisions among allies. He also warned that NATO is not prepared for the new type of drone warfare Russia is employing in Ukraine, noting that Western air‑defense capabilities lag behind the demands of this conflict.
NATO’s Legal Framework
NATO’s Article 4 allows members to request consultations when an ally’s territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened, while Article 5 provides for collective defense after an armed attack. The alliance stresses that Article 4 consultations are not a prerequisite for action under Article 5, but they serve as an early warning mechanism.
Broader Regional Concerns
Similar warnings have emerged from other eastern‑flank nations. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda said intelligence points to possible limited Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltics or Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that Warsaw is preparing “very intensively for various scenarios.” Russia has denied these allegations.
Escalating Tensions with the United Kingdom
On the same day, tensions rose between Moscow and London after Russian officials threatened “consequences” following reports that British‑made drones were used by Ukraine for long‑range strikes inside Russia. The Russian embassy in Britain warned that London’s actions would “inevitably carry consequences.” The British Ministry of Defence affirmed its support for Ukraine, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that direct British involvement in strikes on Russian territory could be considered participation in the war.
State‑run Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov called for the use of Russia’s Poseidon underwater weapon against Britain, saying, “Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon.” Poseidon is a nuclear‑powered, nuclear‑capable underwater system that Russia successfully tested in October 2025.
Information Warfare and Future Risks
Breedlove described the Russian rhetoric as part of a broader information campaign aimed at coercing Western governments. He warned that Russia is conducting an “information war” and employing “reflexive control” tactics to force NATO capitulation. He also noted that Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy, logistics, and defense‑industrial targets are increasing pressure on the Kremlin, potentially prompting Moscow to portray NATO itself as the external enemy.
While NATO remains capable of confronting Russia in a conventional war, Breedlove cautioned that the alliance faces vulnerabilities exposed by the Ukraine conflict, particularly in defending against advanced drone operations.
Looking Ahead
Poland’s accelerated defense preparations, combined with NATO’s diplomatic mechanisms and the heightened rhetoric from both Russia and its Western adversaries, underscore a volatile security environment on Europe’s eastern border. As the situation evolves, NATO members will continue to monitor Russian actions closely and assess the need for collective responses under the alliance’s founding treaties.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
