Polish PM Urges Readiness as Russia Plans Possible ‘Provocations’

Mon Sep 14 2026 18:35:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warns Poland could face critical months amid Russian threat, citing US intel on potential armed provocations.

Poland’s prime minister has sounded an alarm, saying the country is preparing for a range of scenarios as Russia allegedly plans an armed provocation to test NATO’s resolve. The warning comes after US intelligence indicated Moscow might target Polish infrastructure or interfere with NATO forces. Tusk asserts that the coming months could be critical, especially for Baltic states already on edge. He stresses readiness while denying that the situation is purely a scare tactic, acknowledging the threat through allies’ information. The president is scheduled to attend NATO summit in Turkey next week, where leaders are expected to commit to continued support for Ukraine.

Polish PM Urges Readiness as Russia Plans Possible ‘Provocations’

Poland’s prime minister has warned the country is preparing for a range of scenarios and that the coming months may be critical amid a Russian threat.

Donald Tusk was responding to media reports that Moscow was planning an armed “provocation” designed to test NATO’s resolve, citing US intelligence.

Tusk told reporters: “I don’t mean to scare anyone but the coming months may truly be critical, also due to the changing nature of the war. These concerns are particularly palpable in the Baltic states.”

Polish news outlet O net mentioned that sources close to President Karol Nawrocki had said the US had issued several warnings to Warsaw about a plot to attack the country.

The White House and State Department did not comment on the BBC's request.

Under the alleged plan, Polish infrastructure could be targeted by missiles or drones, or troops could be sent into the NATO state, the Telegraph reported.

The intention appears to pressure Ukraine’s western allies to suspend aid as the conflict against Russia continues.

Tusk added: “Let’s not be afraid, we are preparing for various situations, but we cannot ignore them… We are aware of the threats, also thanks to information from our allies.”

President Nawrocki is slated to attend a NATO summit in Turkey next week, where leaders are expected to discuss increased defence spending and ongoing weapon support to Ukraine.

Earlier, Tusk told the Financial Times that Russia could attack a NATO member state in “months”.

In late June, Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sukorski claimed he would not rule out a Russian “false‑flag” operation to justify an attack on a NATO state.

Baltic states, particularly Latvia, have expressed vulnerability to Russian aggression, with intelligence services warning of upcoming provocations in the region.

Lithuania’s ambassador to NATO indicated a preference for hybrid warfare—missiles or drone incursions—over a conventional attack.

NATO’s Article 5 treats any armed attack against a member as an attack against all; the alliance would systematically defend one another.