Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has raised the possibility of an imminent war with Russia, stirring a pronounced focus on the possible escalation of the ongoing violence in Ukraine.
Poland became a full member of NATO on March 12, 1999, along with Hungary and the Czech Republic, so if it did engage in a conflict with Russia, the US would almost certainly be drawn into the fray.
In an interview with the daily newspaper “Super Express” published on Monday, the conservative politician emphasized the need for Poland to prepare for any scenario, taking the potential for conflict with Russia very seriously.
“I count on any scenario and take the worst the most seriously. That’s the job of a defense minister in the situation we’re in today,” said the 42-year-old minister when asked about the possibility of a military defeat of Ukraine and a direct attack by Russia on Poland.
Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the gravity of his words, stating that they were not merely rhetoric but a carefully weighed assessment of the current geopolitical situation.
“Already in 2024 and 2025, Polish units will be in full readiness and at the disposal of the creation of a (rapid deployment) force of the European Union. Poland plays a very important role, which is appreciated by the European Commission. We must not become accustomed to war, we must not forget it,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The Polish Defense Ministry has already initiated concrete preparatory steps, examining potential gaps in armament and evaluating the readiness of individual soldiers, he said.
While acknowledging the importance of large-scale armament procurements, the minister stressed the equal significance of the individual equipment of each soldier. The defense preparations are not limited to hardware but extend to ensuring that each member of the armed forces is adequately equipped and trained.
Poland sees itself playing a crucial role in the collective defense of the European Union (EU), with Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz asserting that the EU Commission recognizes Poland’s strategic significance in regional security.
As tensions escalate in the region, Poland appears determined to fortify its defenses and contribute to the broader European defense framework.
The minister’s comments come amid heightened concerns over Russia’s actions and intentions in Eastern Europe, particularly following its military intervention in Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing to address the crisis, Poland’s Defense Ministry remains vigilant, anticipating and preparing for potential security challenges.
“Poland plays a very important role, it is appreciated by the European Commission. We must not become accustomed to war, we must not forget it,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “The situation is really very serious, and more and more countries are feeling it.”
“On Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Denmark visited Poland. We have signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “For example, the Danes are transferring 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. More and more countries are involved in this assistance, but it needs to be even more intensive. This is a matter of our safety.”
The international community will be closely monitoring developments in the region as Poland takes proactive measures to safeguard its borders and contribute to the collective defense efforts of the European Union.
Asked if he believes Russia is planning aggression against NATO countries, such as Poland, Kosiniak-Kamysz said, “I assume every scenario, and I take the worst ones the most seriously. That is the role of the Minister of Defense in the situation we find ourselves in today. These are not words thrown to the wind. I try to weigh them very hard, especially since I became Minister of Defense. The situation in the world is very serious. It’s not just Ukraine, it’s also the Red Sea and Pacific areas. You have to be prepared for every scenario, which is why we carry out an audit, draw conclusions, and fill in the gaps, e.g. in the case of armament. Large purchases are very important, but for me the individual equipment of the soldiers is no less important. After taking power, we concluded contracts for the purchase of equipment worth $4.7 billion – most of them in Polish armaments plants. But the individual equipping of a soldier with new and top-quality equipment is a very important change for me, which must take place.”