Against the backdrop of Russia’s continuing invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, Poland on Saturday marked its annual Armed Forces Day with a parade of troops and ultra-modern military equipment stretching several kilometres.
Around 2,000 soldiers marched in Warsaw’s city centre, the PAP news agency reported. Numerous types of vehicles and military equipment were also on display, including modern South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks, 180 of which were acquired from Seoul last November.
Aircraft and helicopters that simultaneously flew over the city’s rooftops reportedly included three German air force fighter jets, in a show of solidarity by the NATO allies. Poland has been a member of the military alliance since 1999.
The Polish nation knows very well the price it paid for its independence, said President Karol Nawrocki, adding that this history helps to assess current threats properly.
The right-wing conservative politician and historian spoke of a “day of commitment for the present and the future.”
On August 15, Poland commemorates the Battle of Warsaw in 1920, when the young Polish state was miraculously able to repel the Soviet Red Army.
The Polish-Soviet war ended in 1921 with the Treaty of Riga. Since 1992, August 15 has been celebrated as Polish Armed Forces Day.
EU supports defence investments
This year’s celebrations were held under the motto “Polish SAFE – Secure Poland,” referring to the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme adopted last year.
Through SAFE, the EU is to provide up to €150 billion ($130 billion) in long-term loans to strengthen European defence capabilities and support the defence industry.
Poland is the single largest beneficiary of the SAFE programme, having secured an allocation of almost €44 billion.
Zelensky congratulates Poland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Poland on its Armed Forces Day and recalled how the Bolsheviks’ advance had been halted, partly with the help of the Ukrainian people.
“And today, Moscow must lose in the same way,” Zelensky wrote on X.
“Today, the fate of states is being decided as well – that of Ukraine and our neighbouring countries. We remember how much we can achieve by helping one another. We are fighting for freedom,” he added.