Navrotsky accused Russia of preparing for a hybrid war based on the 1939 scenario
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that Russia’s hybrid war may be not only a means of exerting pressure but also a preparation for further military aggression. He made these remarks on September 17 during a meeting with residents of Włodawa in the Lublin Voivodeship, on the 87th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland. Nawrocki called on the country to learn from history and strengthen cooperation with NATO and the United States.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that Russia’s current actions may resemble the events that preceded the 1939 invasion of Poland. He made these remarks on September 17 during a meeting with residents of Włodawa in the Lublin Voivodeship. On this day, Poland commemorates the 87th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the country.
Speaking about the recent incident involving a Russian drone near the Polish border, Nawrocki stated that Moscow continues to provoke Poland. “Russia continues to provoke because Russia does not change,” said the Polish president.
According to him, every new Russian provocation poses a challenge to the Polish authorities. Navrotsky also noted that he is in constant contact with generals of the Polish Army and the National Security Bureau. The Polish president specifically referenced his country’s historical experience. He stated that, in his view, the threat posed by Russia does not depend on the form the Russian state takes. “In the 21st century, our nations continue to deal with an imperial power that calls subjugation ‘justice’ or the ‘spread of values,’ and regular aggression ‘liberation,’” Navrotsky said.
Navrotsky drew a parallel with 1939
According to the Polish president, as early as the 1920s and 1930s, Poland faced tactics that are today referred to as hybrid warfare. These included attempts to destabilize the country, divide society, and spread disinformation. Navrotsky emphasized that hybrid actions do not necessarily replace open military aggression. In his view, they may precede it. “Hybrid warfare does not necessarily have to be an alternative to kinetic actions and a ground attack. That was not the case in the 1920s, 1930s, or in 1939. Hybrid warfare can be a prelude to what happened on September 17, 1939,” said the Polish president.
On September 17, 1939, Soviet troops entered Polish territory, which at that time had already been attacked by Nazi Germany. The Soviet invasion was the second blow to Poland at the start of World War II. That is why September 17 remains an important date for Poland, marking the beginning of the Soviet occupation of the country’s eastern territories.
Poland Must Strengthen Its Alliances
Against the backdrop of the current situation, Navrotsky called on Polish political forces to act in unison when it comes to national security. He noted that political disputes should not hinder the search for common solutions on defense issues. “Compromise is by no means a concession. Compromise is a task no less difficult than political struggle,” the president emphasized. Navrotsky also called on Poland to draw lessons from the events of 1939. Separately, he stressed the importance of strong international alliances, particularly Poland’s membership in NATO and close relations with the United States.
According to the Polish president, Poland’s current eastern border is, in effect, Europe’s eastern border. Therefore, in his view, the country’s security is important not only for Poland itself but also for its allies. Navrotsky’s statements came amid Poland’s heightened focus on the security of its airspace due to Russian attacks on Ukraine near the Polish border. The Polish military has already stepped up measures to monitor and defend its airspace in response to these attacks, according to PAP.
On the evening of September 17, Poland scrambled military aircraft for the second time that day in response to a Russian attack on Ukraine. The Polish military put ground-based air defense systems and radar complexes on alert. Due to the military aircraft operations, airports in Lublin and Rzeszów were temporarily suspended.
