Polish premier warns of Russian hybrid attacks and possible large-scale mobilization
Donald Tusk told Poland’s parliament that Russia may launch hybrid strikes against NATO allies supporting Ukraine and could initiate a broad mobilization of troops.
In a parliamentary address, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is likely to intensify hybrid warfare, employing rockets, drones and sabotage to disrupt NATO members that back Ukraine. He indicated that these operations could be timed with political changes in certain European countries, though he did not name them. Poland recently deployed combat aircraft in response to a Russian attack close to its eastern border.
Western officials also caution that Russia may boost drone and missile attacks on NATO states to test the alliance’s reaction. Intelligence agencies report that Moscow is planning a discreet, extensive mobilization of military personnel after the Duma elections, using the vote to claim popular support for the war. The Institute for the Study of War notes Russia’s current recruitment losses exceed its intake, suggesting a need for broader conscription, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov denied any secret mobilization plans.
Why it matters
The warning signals heightened security risks for NATO members and potential escalation of Russia's war effort.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Sep 14 A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after a diplomatic train carrying former UK and Swedish leaders left the station, prompting condemnation from European officials.
- Sep 14 A train carrying former British prime minister Boris Johnson and other senior officials was reported to be near the drone strike.
- Sep 14 Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine had offered its allies to secure an agreement with Russia to end destruction of critical infrastructure.
- Sep 14 NATO pledged to increase military aid to Ukraine and reinforce its eastern flank.
- Sep 14 Kim Jong-un promised his “unwavering support” to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter, calling Russia’s war “sacred”.
- Sep 15 Report clarified that the damaged locomotive was intended to adjust wheelsets for differing track gauges.
- Sep 15 NATO Secretary General said the alliance will raise its aid to Ukraine.
- Sep 15 President Emmanuel Macron announced new measures to shield France's critical infrastructure from escalating Russian hybrid attacks, including drones and cyber threats.
- Sep 15 Poland began fortifying its border crossings with temporary sand‑filled blast walls and new observation posts at Dorohusk, Medyka and Korczowa.
- Sep 17 A fourth Russian strike on the Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works wounded a worker.
- Sep 17 A Russian jet‑drone strike near the Polish‑Ukrainian border triggered air‑defence alerts and fighter scrambles.
- Sep 18 Macron ordered a protection scheme for critical infrastructure.
- Sep 19 Tusk invoked NATO’s Article 4 and announced a trip to Kyiv.
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