Poland is preparing for a major military escalation in response to the upcoming Zapad-2025 exercises, which Russia and Belarus will soon conduct near its eastern borders.
According to internal reports, around 40,000 Polish troops will be stationed along the eastern frontier. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and senior officials have warned that the West is approaching a moment reminiscent of World War II due to rising threats.
Tusk described the drills as “highly aggressive” and has ordered the closure of the border with Belarus, anticipating what he called an “intimidation spectacle.” Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told Polish television outlet Polsat News:
“Poland has been preparing for Zapad-2025 for many months. Polish and NATO soldiers are essential to respond adequately to Zapad-2025… This is where the war in Ukraine began. That is why the Polish army is preparing for it. In the coming days, we will have around 40,000 soldiers at the border.”
The Zapad-2025 drills, conducted every four years by Russia and Belarus, will run from Friday until September 16. This year’s exercises have raised strong concerns among NATO member states, with warnings they could involve the use of new weapon systems, including missiles with nuclear capabilities. Some maneuvers are expected to take place alarmingly close to the borders of Poland and Lithuania.
Officials in Poland and NATO have been placed on high alert, closely monitoring the situation while reinforcing border security and territorial defense measures.
