Polish PM Warns of Critical Months Ahead Amid Russian Threat

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:09:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautions that Poland faces a pivotal period due to imminent Russian provocation, urging NATO to remain prepared.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has highlighted the urgency of being ready for a potential Russian attack, citing US intelligence that Moscow may orchestrate a provocation to test NATO’s resolve. Tusk described the forthcoming months as "critical" and underlined the need for robust defense measures, especially in the Baltic region. While the United States refrained from comment, Polish officials confirmed that the threats could involve missiles, drones or ground forces, aiming to pressure Ukraine’s western allies. Tusk emphasized that Poland is preparing for various scenarios and that NATO’s collective defense principle, Article 5, should remain fully functional.

Poland’s Prime Minister Issues a Stark Warning

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday that the coming months could be "critical" as Russia plans a possible armed provocation against Poland to test NATO’s response. The warning follows US intelligence reports that Moscow is allegedly preparing such an operation, with potential use of missiles, drones or ground troops targeting Polish infrastructure or even a direct attack on the NATO member.

"I don’t mean to scare anyone but the coming months may truly be critical, also due to the changing nature of the war," Tusk explained to reporters. He added that the concern is especially acute in the Baltic states.

Polish media outlets Onet relayed that senior US officials have warned Warsaw about a possible plot to attack. While the White House and the State Department declined to comment, the allegations are consistent with reports from the UK’s Telegraph about Russia’s intended strategy to pressure Ukraine’s western allies into halting aid.

President Karol Nawrocki will soon attend a NATO summit in Turkey with senior European leaders. Talks will focus on reaffirming commitments to increase defense spending and to continue arms supply for Ukraine. Tusk has previously warned that Russia could launch an attack on a NATO member within months, and his deputy has suggested that Russia might resort to a “false‑flag” operation in the near future.

Baltic nations are particularly wary. Latvia’s intelligence services have alerted the region to Russian provocations, and Lithuania’s ambassador to NATO stated that Russia is more likely to employ hybrid warfare tactics than a conventional assault.