Poland Marks Historic Victory Over the Red Army, Not Preparing for War With Russia
The Claim
POLAND – The Army is preparing for war with Russia because "We live in times of war," says Prime Minister.
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A video showing the Polish Army loading MBTs and other military equipment onto trucks has been circulating on social media, sparking speculation that the country is preparing for war with Russia.
An account on the platform X named “Monitor X” shared the video with the caption: "POLAND – The Army is preparing for war with Russia because 'We live in times of war,' says Prime Minister Tusk. I declare today: Together, every day, we will do everything we can to ensure that Poland, the Polish Army, and the Polish people never have to count on a miracle again," he said.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating footage and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found that the video is not related to a declaration of war on Russia.
Poland Celebrates Historic Red Army Defeat
On August 15, the same footage appeared on DW with the comment: “With tensions rising at its eastern borders, Poland put on a big show with a military parade to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Those tensions are also the reason why the country is aiming to build one of Europe's largest military forces.”
Contrary to claims on social media, Poland paid tribute to its historic 1920 triumph over the Red Army on Thursday, August 15, by remembering fallen Poles and showcasing new military equipment.
On Armed Forces Day, around 2,500 Polish soldiers, along with dozens of U.S. and other allied forces, marched in military vehicles or tanks, or flew in fighter jets and helicopters in Warsaw, Poland's capital.
The event commemorates the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, in which Polish troops defeated Russian Bolshevik armies advancing across Europe, preventing their westward expansion.
Polish Prime Minister Did Not Declare War on Russia
Misbar’s team reviewed statements from Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime Minister, over the past week and found no declaration of war against Russia.
On August 15, he wrote on the X platform: “Thank you for your service and dedication. We are proud of you,” celebrating the holiday.
“We must arm ourselves and build such potential that no one will ever dare to attack us,” Polish President Andrzej Duda said before the parade.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote a letter to soldiers, saying that the holiday is a reminder of “the most glorious episodes of the Polish army, of the price of independence and freedom.”
“On this day, we pay tribute to all the heroes who fought for the homeland from the dawn of our country,” he added.
Recent Clashes Between Ukraine and Russia in the Kursk Region
According to Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukrainian air defense shot down 53 of the 57 Shahed-type attack drones that Russia launched overnight on August 11.
Ukraine reports it has taken control of more than 80 settlements across 1,150 square kilometers (444 square miles) in Kursk since August 6, marking the largest incursion into Russia since the end of World War II.
Ukraine is reaping “huge political gains" from its military advance into western Russia, but the incursion does not alter the West's "anti-escalation approach," according to Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak.
Warsaw, one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, echoed this sentiment. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, adopting a similar tone to Washington earlier this week, stated that Ukraine has the absolute right to carry out its military actions in a way that would significantly paralyze Russia.
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