Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin warned that Poland and the Baltic states would be the first to suffer in the event of a NATO attack on Russia or Belarus, escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), stated that while the entire alliance would suffer in such a scenario, Poland and the Baltic states would be the first to experience consequences.
Polish officials have dismissed the threats as typical Russian propaganda aimed at sowing fear and division among NATO members.
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President Andrzej Duda, speaking during an official visit to Zagreb, Croatia, emphasized that NATO’s actions are defensive and that Russia’s rhetoric is a continuation of Soviet-style disinformation.
”These threats are straight out of the Soviet school of propaganda,” Duda said. “It’s a typical example of disinformation aimed at intimidating us.”
Duda stressed that NATO has never attacked anyone and that its mission is to maintain security. He highlighted that Russia is the aggressor, occupying Ukrainian territory and threatening its neighbors.
The Polish president urged calm in response to Russia’s rhetoric but also called for continued strengthening of Poland’s and NATO’s defensive capabilities.
”Fear is what Russia wants,” Duda said. “We should respond with calm determination, modernizing our armies, strengthening cooperation within NATO, and building real deterrence.”
Duda emphasized that countries like Poland and Croatia cannot defend themselves alone in the event of a major conflict with Russia. For that reason, he said, NATO’s mutual defense commitments remain of fundamental importance.
The Polish president also called for increased defense spending among NATO members, modernization of armed forces, and expansion of the European defense industry.
”Increased investments in defense translate not only into security but also into jobs and economic growth in Europe,” he said.
During his visit to Croatia, Duda met with Croatian President Zoran Milanović. Duda thanked Croatia for participating in NATO’s multinational battlegroup stationed in Poland and expressed hope for expanded Croatian involvement in the future.
The Polish president reiterated that the war in Ukraine should end as soon as possible to prevent further loss of life and allow Ukraine to rebuild as a free, independent, and peaceful state.
”The world needs a lasting and secure peace that will allow people to live normally and countries to develop freely,” Duda said.
Poland remains vigilant and committed to strengthening its defenses, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining close cooperation with its NATO allies in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression and propaganda efforts.
”We will not be intimidated by threats,” Duda said. “Poland is part of NATO. We are strong because we stand together.”
