Poland Celebrates Victory Over Red Army

WARSAW, Poland — On Armed Forces Day, Poland showcased its military strength with a grand parade in the capital, featuring Polish troops alongside U.S. and allied soldiers. The event, marked by tanks rolling through the streets and fighter jets soaring overhead, drew thousands of spectators. President Andrzej Duda emphasized the need for Poland to bolster its defense capabilities, stating, “We must arm ourselves and build such potential that no one will ever dare to attack us.” The parade commemorated Poland's historic victory over the Red Army in the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, a significant event in the nation’s fight for sovereignty. Observers noted that despite Poland's NATO membership, concerns about Russian aggression remain heightened, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a migration crisis linked to tensions with Belarus. Radoslaw Prokop, a parade attendee, reflected on the historical threats posed by Russia, while others expressed optimism about Poland's modernized military equipment. Among the crowd, Jacek Szelenbaum, a local truck driver, acknowledged the parade's symbolic nature but felt reassured by the presence of advanced weaponry and allied forces. He remarked on the necessity of international support, stating, “Poland could never defend itself alone.” This week, Poland also solidified its defense strategy by signing a $10 billion deal with the U.S. for 96 Apache attack helicopters, further enhancing its military capabilities in a challenging geopolitical landscape.