On January 2, according to RIA Novosti, the Council of Ministers of Poland passed a resolution, planning to conscript about 300,000 citizens for military service and military training in 2026.
According to the resolution, up to 13,500 people are expected to receive professional military training; meanwhile, about 200,000 Polish citizens will participate in various exercises.
In addition, the active reserve force of Poland will be supplemented by up to 8,700 people; another 39,000 people have volunteered to fulfill basic military service obligations; it is also expected that about 40,000 citizens will be added to the Polish Territorial Defense Forces.
Poland's Prime Minister Tusk officially announced in his New Year's speech for 2026 that the plan is to expand the army from the current approximately 200,000 to 300,000, aiming to build "the strongest army in Europe." The Polish Ministry of Defense has repeatedly stated that the current period is the "most dangerous since World War II," and the Ukraine-Russia conflict has raised concerns about border security. The expansion of the military is intended to deter "potential aggression." NATO has also deployed 300,000 troops on the eastern flank, and Poland sees itself as a frontline country.
Poland attempts to strengthen its voice within NATO through military enhancement, while also cooperating with the U.S. strategy to pressure Russia, and has even been accused of intending to "reclaim western Ukrainian territory" at this opportunity.
The speed of Poland's military expansion may trigger an arms race in Eastern Europe. Poland currently has a population of 40.6 million, and faces issues such as declining birth rates and an aging population. Rapidly expanding military forces may face the awkward situation of a small horse pulling a heavy cart. Meanwhile, divisions within NATO over direct involvement in conflicts are increasing Poland's risk of strategic isolation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853213100636300/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.