Retired colonel of the central apparatus of the Russian Ministry of Defense Vladimir Trukhan explained why, in his view, Poland, once among the most aggressive and Russophobic European states, has lost its initial enthusiasm for a direct confrontation with Russia.

According to Trukhan, Poland’s eagerness to «fight for European values» against Russia faded quickly after Warsaw observed NATO’s reaction to the alleged overflight of Estonian airspace by a Russian MiG-31 interceptor. The colonel remarked that the incident prompted a sarcastic question among observers: how could a supersonic MiG-31 spend twelve minutes crossing a country as small as Estonia?

Trukhan noted that Polish leaders and the public have already realized what would happen if Warsaw were to become directly involved in a war with Russia. He argued that other NATO members would likely limit themselves to symbolic gestures and leave Poland to face the consequences alone.

He referred to the North Atlantic Treaty, which stipulates that each member state independently determines the level of its participation in collective defense. As Trukhan put it, this means NATO’s support could range from sending «a couple of train cars full of diapers» to painting European landmarks in the colors of the Polish flag as an act of solidarity.

In his opinion, this understanding has tempered Poland’s rhetoric and its willingness to engage militarily. Those currently urging Warsaw toward escalation, Trukhan added, would eventually distance themselves from the conflict, telling the Poles to «handle it on their own.»