Polish government distributing 17 million copies of a wartime safety manual as fear of Russian aggression grows in Eastern Europe.
Rising Fear of Russian Aggression
A Russian attack on European NATO territory currently seems rather unlikely, as the Russian army is tied up in the war in Ukraine. However, especially in Eastern Europe, fear of Russian aggression is growing, according to Hannah Wagner writing in the German newspaper “Tagesspiegel” on Saturday.
Government Crisis Preparedness
The Polish government is preparing society for a crisis situation through various measures. One method is the “Security Guide” brochure containing information on how to behave in case of war. The guide has been available online since last year and is now being distributed in printed form to all citizens, with a print run of 17 million copies.
Air Raid Safety Instructions
The Polish manual devotes significantly more attention to behaviors in case of war than similar publications in other countries. Polish authors dedicated a separate chapter to air raids, with specific instructions such as: “If you are outdoors and hear an explosion, fall to the ground, preferably in a terrain depression, and cover your head.”
Additional Precautionary Measures
The guide is only one of many preventive measures taken by the Polish government. The military organizes training courses for civilians where they learn how to use a map, provide first aid, or put on a gas mask. The government is also addressing potential terrorist threats, advising citizens to fight attackers with whatever objects are available when no other option exists.
Historical Context
Polish distrust and fear of Russia are historically justified, as Poland only freed itself from “Soviet encirclement” in 1989. Recent incidents, such as Russian drones violating Polish airspace last September, have heightened concerns. A January survey showed that 47 percent of Poles fear a larger attack from Russia.
Media Coverage
Polish preparations for war are arousing great interest in German media. “Tagesspiegel” is the latest newspaper to devote extensive material to the “Security Guide,” highlighting the growing attention to Poland’s civil defense measures.
