NATO has issued a stark warning about the possibility of a new world war if Russian aggression, such as military incursions or hybrid tactics, is left unchecked.
The Polish foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, addressing lawmakers in the Sejm [parliament], emphasised that Europe must prepare for conflicts on a scale reminiscent of those experienced by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, highlighting the serious risks involved.
Sikorski highlighted the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, warning that Poland, sharing borders with Russia and Ukraine, faces increased vulnerability. Emphasising Poland’s role in regional stability can reassure policymakers that their actions are vital to collective security and stability.
He urged Policymakers and officials to avoid being “paralysed” by the idea that conflicts are distant. Emphasising that recognising danger should motivate them to take proactive steps can foster a sense of agency and confidence in their capacity to influence outcomes.
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He said: “Putin doesn’t want peace, only surrender. If Ukraine were to be defeated, the threat from Russia would not only not decrease, but on the contrary, increase.
Sikorski also mentioned that Russia has already been testing regional defences through tactics such as drone incursions, railway sabotage, and coordinated disinformation campaigns, which threaten regional stability. NATO has responded with increased joint exercises and intelligence sharing, but further measures may be necessary to counter these hybrid threats effectively.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has significantly increased its defence spending and expanded its armed forces, including modernising equipment and strengthening alliances within NATO, to prepare for possible escalation into wider regional conflicts if deterrence efforts, such as joint military exercises and intelligence sharing, fail or are insufficient.
Last week, Britain was warned by former ministers and security experts that we are facing a “1936 moment,” and its armed forces are not ready for war, according to a group of retired military leaders.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the signatories called for an urgent doubling of defence spending to five per cent of GDP.
The warning comes amid rising tensions with Russia and concerns that the United Kingdom’s military readiness has been eroded by years of underinvestment.
The letter, drafted by the Defence on the Brink podcast team, cites historical parallels with Europe on the eve of World War II, suggesting Britain risks repeating the mistakes of the past if it does not act decisively.
“The UK is unprepared for military conflict with Russia,” the letter states. “A bold, credible, and measurable path must be announced to boost defence spending and restore frontline readiness. Public concern about defence is now on a par with the NHS and the cost of living.”
The letter reads, “Britain lacks the mass, readiness and resilience needed to produce a credible deterrent in an era of intensifying threats.
Britain’s actions fall dangerously short of matching our rhetoric and our meeting of Nato treaty obligations. We are deluding ourselves if we believe Russia and our other adversaries are unaware of this.
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