Poland Plans Major Expansion of Military Reservist Training Amid Russia Tensions

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has detailed plans for significantly expanding his country's military capabilities, stating that starting in 2027, Poland intends to provide military training to approximately 100,000 volunteers each year. This effort is part of a broader strategy aimed at creating a substantial reserve army amid increased security concerns related to Russia's actions in Eastern Europe.

Furthermore, Tusk announced that government officials, including Cabinet ministers, would also participate in military preparedness training. He revealed that his ministers had accepted this initiative willingly and recognized the importance of maintaining readiness given the current geopolitical environment.

Previously, Tusk had mentioned the government's ambitious goal of building a combined force of roughly 500,000 soldiers, more than double the existing figure. This number would encompass professional military personnel, reservists, and forces dedicated specifically to territorial defense.

Poland's move comes amid heightened security concerns triggered by Russia's continued aggression toward Ukraine and uncertainty caused by recent statements from the Trump administration casting doubts on America's future NATO commitments. These factors have increased apprehension in Poland, which sits along NATO’s eastern flank and views itself as particularly vulnerable.

Although last year Polish authorities announced the military had grown to about 200,000 soldiers and planned to reach 220,000 by the end of this year, with long-term aims of reaching approximately 300,000, Tusk’s latest proposals suggest an even more substantial expansion. He expressed confidence that plenty of Polish citizens would step forward as volunteers, noting the strong sense of national duty and patriotism among the population.