Tusk: Poland to Grow Army, Discusses Nuclear Defense Amid Russia Threat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has signaled that Poland may seek access to nuclear weapons, warning that Europe could face war with Russia within the next few years, Bloomberg reported on March 7.

Speaking to parliament in Warsaw on Friday, Tusk said Poland is in “serious talks” with France regarding President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to use France’s nuclear capabilities to defend European allies, Bloomberg notes.

Poland has significantly increased its military spending, becoming NATO’s top defense spender as a percentage of GDP. Tusk unveiled a plan to expand Poland’s armed forces to 500,000 soldiers and introduce mandatory military training for all adult males.

The premier stated that Russia is re-arming on a massive scale, preparing not just for its war in Ukraine but for a broader confrontation within the next three to four years.

“We must be aware that Poland must reach for the most modern capabilities, including those related to nuclear and unconventional weapons,” Tusk said. “This is a race for security, not an arms race.”

Bloomberg notes that it remains unclear what nuclear capabilities Poland is considering. As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Poland is committed to not seeking or acquiring atomic weapons.

The statement comes amid European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities. Bloomberg writes that as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration signals a reduced role in Europe’s security, the EU is working to mobilize billions in defense funding.

Poland, which borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, has expanded weapons purchases from the U.S. and South Korea, partly replacing military aid sent to Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. This year, Poland plans to spend a record 187 billion zloty ($46 billion) on defense, or 4.7% of its GDP, up from 3.5% last year.

Tusk also announced that Poland will cooperate with Ukraine on drone production and aims to establish a new military model by the end of the year. Bloomberg reports that this plan would ensure every adult male in Poland undergoes military training, citing Ukraine’s example, where over 800,000 soldiers are fighting, with 1.1 million in reserve.

Previously, in response to Russia’s missile attacks on Ukraine, Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed its air defense systems on high alert, according to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces on March 7.