At a military training ground near the city of Wroclaw, ordinary Poles are lining up, waiting to be handed guns and taught how to shoot. "Once the round is loaded, the weapon is ready to fire," barks the instructor, a Polish soldier, his face smeared with camouflage paint. Young and old, men and women, parents and children, they've all come here for one reason: to learn how to survive an armed attack. As well as a turn on the shooting range, this Saturday morning programme, called "Train with the Army", also teaches civilians hand-to-hand combat, first aid and how to put on a gas mask. "The times are dangerous now, we need to be ready," says the co-ordinator of the project, Captain Adam Sielicki. "We have a military threat from Russia, and we are preparing for this." Capt Sielicki says the programme is oversubscribed, and the Polish government now has plans to expand it so that every adult male in the country receives training. Poland, which shares borders with both Russia and Ukraine, says it will spend almost 5% of GDP on defence this year, the highest in Nato. Last week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland aims to build "the strongest army in the region". Warsaw has been on a spending spree, buying planes, ships, artillery systems and missiles from the US, Sweden and South Korea, among others. Dariusz is one of those attending the Saturday course in Wroclaw, and says he would be the "very first" to volunteer if Poland were attacked. "History has taught us that we must be prepared to defend ourselves on our own. We cannot rely on anyone else. Today alliances exist, and tomorrow they are broken." As he removes his gas mask, Bartek says he thinks most Poles "will take up arms" if attacked, "and be ready to defend the country." Agata is attending with a friend. She says the election of Donald Trump has made people more worried. "He wants to pull out [of Europe]. That's why we feel even less safe. If we're not prepared and Russia attacks us, we'll simply become their prisoners." Statements by Donald Trump and members of his administration have caused deep concern among officials in Warsaw. During a visit to the Polish capital in February, the US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said Europe mustn't assume that the US troop presence on the continent "will last forever". The US currently has 10,000 troops stationed in Poland, but Washington announced last month it was pulling out of a key military base in the city of Rzeszow in the east of Poland. Officials say the troops will be redeployed within Poland, but the move has caused yet more unease in the country. Donald Trump's apparent hostility towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and warm words for Russia's Vladimir Putin, have only added to the worry. Poland is due to sign a defence agreement with France in the coming days, and another pact with the UK is in the pipeline – further moves by Warsaw to pivot away from its historically strong military ties with Washington. There is also talk of Poland being brought under the French military's "nuclear umbrella". "I think [Trump] has certainly pressed us to think more creatively about our security," says Tomasz Szatkowski, the permanent representative of Poland to Nato and presidential advisor on defence. "I think the US can't afford to lose Poland, because that would be a sign… that you can't rely on the US. However, we do have to think of other options and develop our own capabilities." "If the Russians continue their aggressive intentions towards Europe, we're going to be the first one – the gatekeeper," Mr Szatkowski says. He ascribes Poland's rapid military build-up to "first of all, the geopolitical situation, but also, the experience of history." The painful legacy of Russian occupation can be felt everywhere here. At a state-run care home in Warsaw, 98-year-old Wanda Traczyk-Stawska recalls the last time Russian forces invaded – in 1939, when a pact between Stalin and Hitler resulted in Poland being carved up between the USSR and Nazi Germany. "In 1939 I was twelve years old. I remember my father was very concerned about [the Russians]," Wanda recalls, "We knew that Russia had attacked us, they took advantage of the fact that the Germans had exposed us." On a shelf is a photograph of Wanda as a fighter, brandishing a machine gun during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, when the Polish underground fought the German Army amidst the ruins of the city. After pushing back the Germans in the dying days of World War Two, the Soviet Union installed a pro-Moscow regime in Poland, which ruled the country until 1989. Currently, around 216,000 servicemen and women make up the Polish armed forces. The government says they intend to increase that to half a million, including reservists – which would give it the second-largest military in Nato after the United States. I ask Wanda whether she thinks it's a good thing that Poland is building up its military. "Of course, yes. Russia has this aggression written into its history. I'm not talking about people, but the authorities are always like that," she sighs. "It is better to be a well-armed country than to wait for something to happen. Because I am a soldier who remembers that weapons are the most important thing." Eighty years since the end of World War Two, Poles are once again eyeing their neighbours nervously. In a warehouse in southern Poland, by popular demand, one company has constructed a mock-up of a bomb shelter. "These shelters are designed primarily to protect against a nuclear bomb, but also against armed attacks," says Janusz Janczy, the boss of ShelterPro, who shows me around the steel bunker, complete with bunk beds and a ventilation system. "People are building these shelters simply because they don't know what to expect tomorrow." Janusz says demand for his shelters has soared since Donald Trump took office. "It used to be just a few phone calls a month. Now there are dozens a week," he says, "My clients are most afraid of Russia. And they're concerned that Nato wouldn't come to defend Poland." But are Poles ready to defend the country if those fears become a reality? A recent poll found that only 10.7% of adults said they would join the army as volunteers in the event of war, and a third said they would flee. On a sunny afternoon in Wroclaw, I ask Polish students whether they'd be ready to defend their country if attacked. Most say they wouldn't. "The war is very close but feels quite far," says medical student Marcel, "but if Russia attacked, I think I'd run." "I would probably be the first one trying to escape the country," says another student, Szymon. "I just don't really see anything worth dying for here." Additional reporting by Aleksandra Stefanowicz
How ordinary Poles are preparing for a Russian invasion
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Poland Enhances Civilian Military Training Amidst Russian Threat Concerns"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In Poland, ordinary citizens are increasingly preparing for a potential Russian invasion by participating in military training programs. At a training ground near Wroclaw, individuals of all ages and backgrounds gather to learn essential survival skills, including shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and first aid. The initiative, known as "Train with the Army," aims to equip civilians with the necessary tools to defend themselves in the face of perceived threats from Russia. Captain Adam Sielicki, the project coordinator, has noted a surge in interest, prompting plans to expand the program to ensure that every adult male in Poland receives military training. Poland's defense spending has reached nearly 5% of its GDP, the highest in NATO, as the government seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amidst growing concerns about regional security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized the country's goal of establishing the strongest military in the region, supported by significant investments in military equipment from various international allies.
The anxiety surrounding national defense has been compounded by geopolitical developments, including shifting U.S. military commitments under former President Donald Trump. Polish citizens express a mix of determination and apprehension regarding their readiness to defend the country. While some, like Dariusz and Agata, assert their willingness to fight if necessary, recent polls indicate that a significant portion of the population may not be prepared to enlist. The historical context of Russian aggression looms large in the collective memory of Poles, with 98-year-old Wanda Traczyk-Stawska recalling the traumatic events of the past. In response to these fears, there has been a notable increase in demand for bomb shelters and other protective measures, reflecting a deep-seated concern about the future. As Poland navigates its security landscape, the balance between readiness and apprehension continues to shape the national discourse on defense and military preparedness.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article focuses on the increasing militarization among the Polish populace in response to perceived threats from Russia. It highlights a training initiative where civilians are being taught military skills, suggesting a significant shift in national sentiment regarding defense and personal security.
Purpose of the Article
This report seems aimed at portraying the urgency and seriousness with which ordinary Poles are responding to the threat of a Russian invasion. By documenting these training sessions, the article seeks to showcase a proactive approach by citizens and the government to prepare for potential conflict. It suggests a collective understanding that the geopolitical landscape is precarious and requires vigilance and readiness.
Public Sentiment
The narrative is likely intended to instill a sense of unity and preparedness among the Polish people. By featuring diverse participants—young, old, men, women, and families—the article aims to reinforce the notion that national defense is a communal responsibility. Furthermore, it highlights a growing skepticism about international alliances, suggesting that reliance on external powers may not be a viable strategy for Poland’s security.
Potential Information Gaps
While the article paints a vivid picture of civilian military training, it may overlook broader contexts, such as the potential ramifications of such militarization on society and politics. It doesn't discuss the perspectives of those who may oppose this militaristic shift or the psychological impact on the populace. The focus on individual preparedness could also downplay the importance of diplomatic solutions in international relations.
Manipulative Elements
There are aspects that could be viewed as manipulative. The language used evokes a sense of urgency and fear regarding external threats, which can lead to increased anxiety among the populace. Additionally, portraying civil defense as a necessary response could inadvertently create an “us vs. them” mentality against Russia, potentially escalating tensions.
Credibility of the Information
The report appears credible, as it cites specific individuals, such as military personnel and civilians involved in the training programs. However, the framing of the narrative could bias the reader toward a particular viewpoint, emphasizing the threat while potentially downplaying other perspectives on security and defense.
Societal Implications
This article could lead to increased public support for military initiatives and governmental spending on defense. It may also contribute to a heightened sense of nationalism and a readiness to engage in potential conflicts. The societal focus on self-defense may shift political conversations towards more aggressive stances in foreign policy.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates with individuals who are concerned about national security, particularly those who may feel vulnerable in the current geopolitical climate. It appeals to a demographic that values self-defense and preparedness, likely garnering support from conservative factions within Polish society.
Impact on Markets
The heightened focus on defense spending and military readiness could influence stock market trends, particularly for companies involved in defense manufacturing and technology. Investors may react positively to increased government contracts and military procurement.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article is timely, given ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia, especially in light of the war in Ukraine. It underscores Poland’s strategic position in Europe and its potential role in regional security dynamics, indicating a possible shift in power balances.
Potential Use of AI
While there is no direct evidence of AI involvement in crafting this article, it’s plausible that AI tools were used for data collection or analysis of public sentiment regarding defense issues. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the framing of the narrative to emphasize urgency and preparedness.
In conclusion, the article serves to amplify a narrative of vigilance and readiness among the Polish people in the face of external threats. The portrayal of civilian military training initiatives supports a broader discussion about national security and the responsibilities of citizens in a potentially volatile geopolitical landscape.