Russian threats: understanding Warsaw’s warning and France’s position

Statements on 17 and 18 September put Poland’s security in a European context. What was announced, and how should these warnings be understood?

Checked on 19 September 2026. AI-generated cover illustration: a symbolic image, not documentary evidence.

A warning before parliament

On 17 September, Donald Tusk presented the Sejm with his assessment of risks arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to the Polish prime minister’s office, he discussed possible hybrid action against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. This is an assessment attributed to the Polish government, not an announcement that a new attack has actually occurred in Poland.

The following day, the Élysée reaffirmed French support for Ukraine and its sanctions policy towards Russia amid increasing hybrid threats.

A shared concern, separate statements

The two statements help explain Warsaw’s and Paris’s concerns. By themselves, they do not announce a new joint French-Polish operation. Understanding their significance requires distinguishing three things: a threat assessment, a political decision and an observed event.

Following the news from Poland

For international residents and visitors, the useful approach is to check the date, location and author of an announcement before sharing it. A statement about the coming months does not necessarily describe conditions in a particular city or on a journey today.

Before travelling, consult the relevant authorities and your transport operator. This article explains the cited statements; they do not establish a general closure of Poland’s borders or a suspension of travel throughout the country.