Polish PM warns critical months ahead over Russian threat

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:27:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warns Warsaw must brace for a range of threats from Moscow, including missiles and hybrid attacks, while NATO prepares to defend member states.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said Poland is preparing for ‘various’ scenarios as Russia plans a provocation meant to test NATO’s resolve. He highlighted the risk of missiles, drones or ground incursions aimed at Polish infrastructure. U.S. intelligence and allied warnings have prompted a closer focus on the Baltic states, while NATO's Article 5 guarantees collective defence. With a summit in Turkey next week, leaders pledge to continue arms deliveries to Ukraine amid rising tensions.

Polish PM warns critical months ahead over Russian threat

Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters that the coming months could be critical as Russia plots an armed "provocation" in Poland to test NATO’s resolve, citing U.S. intelligence.

He emphasised that Poland is preparing for various scenarios, from missile or drone strikes on infrastructure to the possibility of Russian ground troops. Polish President Karol Nawrocki will attend a NATO summit next week, where leaders pledge to continue arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The warnings follow reports that the United States has cautioned Warsaw about a potential plot to attack the country, with a focus on keeping the Baltic states secure. Lithuanian officials say Russia is likely to use hybrid warfare—including air and marine incursions—rather than a conventional assault.

Under NATO’s Article 5, an attack on one member is deemed an attack on all, triggering collective defence. Tusk earlier warned that Russia could strike a NATO member in the next few months, underscoring the urgency of readiness.