Piotr Lewandowski, a colonel in the reserve and instructor at the Center for Training of the Territorial Defense Forces, shares his insights on Russia’s military strategy and potential threats to Poland.
Assessing the Current Threat
According to Lewandowski, as long as the war in Ukraine continues, there is no direct threat to Poland. Even after the war ends, it is uncertain whether Poland would be the primary target. The problem lies in defining what constitutes a war and determining the threshold for intervention.
NATO’s Preparedness and Response
Lewandowski notes that NATO’s response to potential aggression is not clearly defined, and the alliance’s ability to react quickly is limited. He emphasizes that NATO’s strategy focuses on destroying Russia’s ability to wage war through attacks on its industry and infrastructure, rather than engaging in direct military confrontation.
Russian Military Strategy and Capabilities
The expert believes that Russia will not rebuild its pre-war army but will instead focus on developing new capabilities, such as drones and ballistic missiles. He notes that Russia’s military currently relies heavily on contract soldiers who may not continue to serve if the war in Ukraine ends and payments cease.
Poland’s Preparedness and Readiness
Lewandowski criticizes Poland’s preparedness for potential conflict, citing a lack of clear plans and inadequate infrastructure, such as bomb shelters. He also notes that the country’s civil defense system has been dismantled over the years, leaving it poorly equipped to handle emergencies.
Recommendations and Conclusions
The expert stresses the importance of preparing for the worst-case scenario and increasing Poland’s resilience to potential threats. He calls for improvements in military training, infrastructure, and civil defense, as well as a greater emphasis on educating the public on crisis preparedness.