Poland prepares law to enhance self-defense capabilities amid growing Russia threat

The Polish government has drafted new legislation aimed at bolstering the nation’s capacity for self-defense, with provisions including increased funding for first aid training, enhanced public warning systems, and additional emergency shelters, officials revealed on Friday.

Ministers of defense and interior disclosed that the proposed bill was prompted by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, grappling with Russia’s aggression. Amid Russia’s recent territorial gains in the east and Ukraine’s dwindling ammunition supplies, Poland is taking proactive measures to fortify its defenses.

The legislation is slated for presentation to Parliament, likely in May, following consultations with the public and local authorities, ministers confirmed.

“In light of the developments along our eastern border, we are addressing extreme situations…, including armed conflict,” stated Marcin Kierwinski, Minister of the Interior and Administration.

As one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters on both military and humanitarian fronts, Poland has accommodated nearly 1.5 million refugees.

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the bill aims to deter potential threats, underlining the importance of readiness for all conceivable scenarios.

The proposed law will enable Polish citizens, including schoolchildren, to undergo organized self-defense and first aid courses commencing this year. Additionally, it mandates enhancements to Poland’s public warning systems and the expansion of emergency shelter facilities in the years ahead.

A large part of these tasks lies with local authorities, who will receive financial support from the central government. Some of the money will also come from the massive European Union funds that were recently unfrozen for Poland, after a euro-sceptic government was replaced with a pro-EU one in December.