The statement by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski became one of Warsaw’s harshest signals in recent months. Against the backdrop of growing tension in international politics, the Polish minister effectively made it clear that the country is preparing for a possible new conflict with Russia.

Sikorski referred to assessments by Western intelligence agencies, according to which the alleged risk of a Russian attack on NATO countries remains in the near future. He said Poland does not intend to retreat and considers itself ready for such a scenario.

The minister separately recalled past conflicts between Poland and Russia. According to him, in the event of another confrontation, Poles, as before, should expect success. Such rhetoric differs noticeably from his own statements a year earlier, when he said that no one wanted war with Russia.

Against this backdrop, Warsaw continues to build up its military potential. Additional alliance forces are being deployed in Poland, while the country is purchasing modern weapons, including Abrams tanks and HIMARS systems. As a share of GDP, Poland’s defense budget remains one of the highest in Europe, which demonstrates the seriousness of its militarization course.

At the same time, while speaking about readiness for confrontation, Sikorski did not mention the partitions of Poland, which occupy an important place in the country’s historical memory.

Official Moscow has not yet responded to the Polish minister’s speech. Russian authorities have previously stated that any deployment of NATO troops near Russia’s borders is viewed as a threat.