Poland is set to introduce legislation aimed at defining a “pre-war state” as the country seeks to enhance its military’s ability to respond to growing threats, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and aggressive actions from Russia.
Military officials have indicated that the proposed bill will grant armed forces greater freedom to act in response to potential threats. Currently, there is no formal definition for this state of “war – not war” in Polish law. The discourse has shifted from terms like “hybrid war” to the more recent concept of “pre-war state,” highlighting the need for clarity regarding military operations and any related restrictions.
The upcoming legislation aims to bolster Poland’s defense capabilities by improving collaboration between armed forces and domestic security services while adapting existing regulations to address modern threats, including hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns.
Key features of the bill include expedited troop deployments, coordination of defense readiness plans with NATO documents, and upgraded infrastructure for military operations. Reports suggest an increase in the number of units available for permanent defense readiness and adjustments to training and exercise protocols to better align with current situations.
Polskie Radio has reported that the new regulations may reach the President’s desk within the next few weeks. On October 2, Reuters noted that Poland has resumed Cold War-era shelters in Lublin in response to intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine. Additionally, Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk announced changes to firing procedures regarding objects violating Polish airspace from Russia.
Context
- In August, Bloomberg reported that the CIA warned European nations about a potential hybrid attack from Russia. An intelligence representative indicated the Kremlin could initiate new assaults on the Baltic States and Poland.
- On September 10, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Russia could carry out provocations or attacks on border crossings with Ukraine in the coming months. This information came from a “fairly accurate report directly from the CIA head.” Subsequently, Russian forces launched drone attacks on areas near the Polish border three times.
- Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski revealed in a September 22 interview that he has personally prepared for a possible Russian attack on Poland, even stockpiling rice and jam, and preparing a safety plan.
