General Wiesław Kukuła’s statement sparked negative reactions, yet observers insist that facing reality is not a political stunt but a duty for a nation on Europe’s eastern flank. Poland sits directly on the border with Russia, and this geographic fact carries consequences that others do not face. For that reason, officials and analysts argue that war is not a mere hypothetical; it is a possibility that requires clear planning, credible deterrence, and a citizenry prepared to contribute to defense. In this climate, the call to discuss defense openly with the public is not alarmism but a sober effort to replace wishful thinking with informed choice. If Europe as a whole leans toward perpetual peace, countries at risk may still pay the price of indecision. The aim is to keep defense visible as a shared responsibility, not a distant doctrine, and to weave it into daily life from education to civic commitments. This is why dialogue about security is timely and necessary, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The truth about threats does not ask for war; it seeks a realistic read of Russia’s posture toward Europe. The risk is not fearmongering but a consistent assessment of historic patterns: Moscow has pursued expansion, modernized its armaments, and tested the resilience of European institutions. It is troubling that some Polish politicians and even some generals appear to downplay or ignore these developments, whether due to political calculations, fatigue, or misreading the unity of European allies. That kind of misreadiness can erode national credibility and leave the public exposed to strategic missteps. Naive pacifism in the face of a clearly assertive neighbor undermines the homeland and public confidence. The path forward calls for a measured, prudent approach—recognizing diplomacy’s limits while strengthening deterrence. The discussion echoes the concerns of security communities and is reinforced by the words of the Chief of the General Staff, General Wiesław Kukuła, delivered at the Army Academy, as reported by wPolityce.
Support for these views is widespread among military leaders and security analysts who see deterrence as a shared national project. The Chief of the General Staff’s remarks emphasize aligning military readiness with civilian understanding. The push for defensive preparation goes beyond a single speech; it signals a collective effort that engages agencies, communities, and households. Acknowledging the real risk allows the public to participate in practical resilience: training, emergency planning, and a culture that treats defense as an everyday duty. The aim is not to alarm, but to ground national strategy in lived reality so Europe does not become a comforting illusion in dangerous times. North American allies in Canada and the United States share concerns about regional security; Poland’s experience underlines a universal principle: effective defense requires an informed citizenry ready to respond when needed. By anchoring strategy in everyday life, this approach supports regional stability and reinforces trust among transatlantic partners.