Public anxiety over Russian aggression is mounting in Poland. Concerns deepened this week after the country shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace on Wednesday—the first time a NATO member has engaged militarily during Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Kremlin declined to comment on the incident.
More than 20,000 Poles enrolled in voluntary training in the first seven months of 2025, keeping pace with last year’s record levels. By year’s end, around 40,000 volunteers are expected to complete training—more than double the 16,000 in 2022—reflecting heightened civic engagement since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Poland has more than doubled its defense spending since 2022, rising from 2.2% of GDP to 4.7% this year—the highest ratio in NATO, outpacing traditional military powers such as Germany, France, and Britain. With 216,000 troops, Poland now has the alliance’s third-largest army, behind only the United States and Turkey, according to NATO figures.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government is also relocating military units eastward to tap stronger recruitment pools. Training, however, does not automatically bind participants to combat duty; volunteers may instead opt for professional service, join the Territorial Defense Forces (WOT), or remain in the reserves.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s skepticism of NATO and opposition to Ukraine’s membership have prompted European allies to reassess their defense strategies. Countries across the continent are stepping up military spending and launching joint initiatives such as SAFE (Security Action for Europe).
NATO estimates suggest Russia will need several years to prepare for any potential conflict with the West. “This timeframe is also our horizon,” Pawel Zalewski, Polish deputy defense minister, told Reuters. “We are ready to face the threats of today—and preparing for the threats of tomorrow.”
