NATO member Poland commemorated its historic victory over the Red Army by honoring fallen Polish soldiers and showcasing modern military equipment during a parade in Warsaw on the Armed Forces holiday. The event included Polish troops alongside troops from the U.S. and other allies, with tanks rolling through the city’s streets and fighter jets soaring overhead.
Poland has been focusing on enhancing its defense capabilities to counter perceived threats from Russia, with efforts to replace Soviet and Russian equipment intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. Since gaining independence from Moscow 35 years ago and joining NATO, Poland has been working on modernizing its military, with heightened concerns along NATO’s eastern flank.
The holiday marks the anniversary of the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, a significant victory where Polish forces halted the advance of Russian Bolshevik troops. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder to Poland of the security challenges it faces, sandwiched between larger and sometimes aggressive neighbors in central Europe.
Despite being a NATO member, Poland remains vigilant due to recent events like Russia’s actions in Ukraine and a migration crisis on its border with Belarus in 2021. The Defense Minister emphasized the significance of the holiday in honoring the country’s military history and the sacrifices made for independence and freedom.
Recent events, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the crisis at the Poland-Belarus border, have raised concerns among Poles about potential future actions by the Kremlin. A notable development is Poland’s $10 billion agreement with the U.S. for 96 Apache attack helicopters, seen as a key step in modernizing its military capabilities and integrating advanced technology into its armed forces.