Poll: Poles' Willingness to Defend Country in War with Russia Drops Sharply

The willingness of Poles to defend their country in the event of a war with Russia has dropped dramatically over the past three years, according to a survey by the IBRiS think tank. Sociologists compared data from 2023 to 2026 and found that the readiness to make sacrifices has hit a record low.

Currently, only 15% of Poles say they would be willing to give their lives to defend the nation, down from 27% in 2023. The reluctance is most pronounced among young people – only 18% of those aged 18 to 29 are ready to participate in a hypothetical war, compared to 56% in the 40–59 age group.

The number of citizens willing to endure material losses for the country has also declined. In 2023, 46% of Poles were prepared to give up part of their personal wealth, but now that figure stands at 36%. Meanwhile, the share of those unwilling to make any sacrifices has risen from 14% to 30%.

Sociologists also highlight a low level of practical preparedness – nearly 82% of respondents do not know the location of the nearest shelter, and only 36% plan to undergo basic defense training. Russia is seen as the main potential threat to Poland in the coming decades, and in the event of war, the basic scenario envisions a military conflict with Russia.