Fearful of Russian aggression, Poles flock to military training

 

Fear of Russian aggression is driving thousands of Poles to join voluntary military training, with many saying they want to be prepared to defend their families if war reaches their country. At a training site near the Russian border, 36-year-old Agnieszka Jedruszak, an office administrator, described her determination to protect her 13-year-old son. She is one of over 20,000 volunteers who signed up in the first seven months of 2025, a number that could reach 40,000 by year’s end, more than double the 2022 total.

Poland has dramatically increased its defence spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, raising it from 2.2 percent of GDP to 4.7 percent, the highest in NATO. The government has also strengthened its eastern defences with the “East Shield” project, a 400-mile line of barriers, sensors, and military units near Belarus and Kaliningrad. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Europe to take more responsibility for its security, warning that Poland cannot depend entirely on the United States, especially after Donald Trump questioned NATO commitments.

See also: (In US) Bestselling Horror Author Stephen King Apologizes for False Claim in Tweet About Assassinated Charlie Kirk

Military officials say the surge in volunteers reflects both fear and a sense of duty, creating a flexible reserve force that can be mobilised during emergencies or heightened threats.

Poland now has the third-largest military in NATO after the United States and Turkey, with around 216,000 personnel, but its forces are still dwarfed by Russia’s army of 1.5 million. The country has rapidly expanded recruitment and expects to grow its armed forces by nearly a third in the next decade. Volunteers can choose professional service, join part-time territorial defence units, or remain as reserves, ensuring Poland has a scalable force if conflict arises.

The government says this approach helps both national defence and local economies, particularly in eastern regions where military units are being relocated. Deputy defence minister Pawel Zalewski said troops will now “defend their own homes” while boosting employment in high jobless areas.

See also: London Police Prepare for Rival Protests Over Immigration and Racism

Poland’s preparations contrast with countries like Germany and Britain, which are struggling to recruit and retain troops despite increased military budgets. Experts argue Eastern Europeans are more willing to enlist due to their history with Soviet occupation and their proximity to Russia.

As NATO warns that Russia could be ready for a wider war within years, Poland is pushing for European autonomy in defence, launching new programmes to train 100,000 volunteers by 2027. Officials insist reserves and readiness remain vital to facing future threats.