The new Concept of Defense of Poland stresses that Russia continues to violate international law, tries to destabilize its neighbors and the West, and poses a threat to Poland, countries in the region, as well as other countries interested in a stable international order. The document notes that the constant growth of military spending in Russia is of particular concern.

“The ultimate goal of Russia is to create a new international order based on the so called “concert of powers”. We assume that by 2032 Russia will maintain her aggressive stance in its foreign and security policies. Taking into account the asymmetry of military capabilities between Russia and NATO’s eastern flank members, such a situation creates a direct threat for Poland and the region”, states the document.

The document adds that cases of Russia using its army to implement political objectives are of “special concern”. For instance, the war with Georgia in 2008 or the occupation of the Crimean peninsula and the aggression against Ukraine in 2014.

“Russia is ready to destabilize the internal order of other states and to question their territorial integrity by openly violating international law”, according to the concept.

The document notes that Russia often disguises its actions and acts “below the threshold of an armed conflict”.

“It is not unrealistic that Russia could incite a regional conflict and dragging into it one or several NATO countries. Russia is also likely to provoke proxy wars in various parts of the world in order to exert pressure on the Western countries”, highlights the concept.

The document states that, at the same time, Russia is implementing a broad program of technical military modernizations, holding intensive military drills, and militarizing society.

“Russia’s defense expenditures are treated as a priority and will be sustained at the current high level even during periods of long-term economic stagnation. This policy is highly coordinated with the operations of Russia’s special services, including the employment of such instruments as disinformation campaigns against other countries”, notes the concept.

The document also mentions that Russia is trying to compensate for NATO’s advantage “by conducting cyber-attacks, or threatening the use of force, against individual states, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons”.

Yuriy Banakhevych, Ukrinform