Poland’s plan to resist a Russian attack

Enlarge this image A parade celebrating Poland’s Armed Forces Day in 2024. The holiday commemorates the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw in the Russo-Polish War. Omar Marques/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Omar Marques/Getty Images A parade celebrating Poland’s Armed Forces Day in 2024. The holiday commemorates the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw in the Russo-Polish War. Omar Marques/Getty Images As a neighbor of Ukraine’s and host to more than 2 million of its war refugees, Poland has seen, heard and felt what Russia is capable of, and it’s now preparing for the worst. This year, Poland will spend nearly 5% of its GDP on defense, more than any other NATO member, including the U.S. NPR’s Rob Schmitz has the story of the country’s plan to train every adult in Poland for war. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at [email protected]. Sponsor Message This episode was produced by Christine Arrasmith and Connor Donevan with audio engineering by Neisha Heinis. It was edited by Nick Spicer, Jeanette Woods and Nadia Lancy. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.