This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Eastern flank – Why Poland is crucial to Europe's defence push
May 22, 2025
Agnieszka Bieńczyk-Missala, a Professor at Warsaw University, provides keen insights into Poland's security challenges amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe. The conversation highlights Poland's geographical vulnerabilities with neighboring threats, particularly from Russia. Bieńczyk-Missala discusses the impact of the Ukraine war on Poland’s defense strategies and political landscape, as well as the country's increased military spending and growing role in NATO. The ongoing migration crisis and its security implications are also thoroughly examined.
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Geography Shapes Poland's Security
- Poland's eastern geography shapes its identity and security concerns significantly.
- Borders with Ukraine, Belarus, and militarized Kaliningrad present major challenges.
Tense Polish-Russian Relations
- Polish-Russian relations are tense due to historical and current conflicts.
- Poland strongly opposes Russian aggression and promotes sanctions and resistance.
Russia's Covert Sabotage Concerns
- Poland experiences covert Russian sabotage and cyber warfare actions.
- Europeans' response to these provocations is considered insufficient by Poland.