POLAND — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a warning on Friday, stating that the coming months could be critical due to the threat from Russia. He responded to media reports indicating that Moscow might be planning an armed provocation in Poland to test NATO's resolve.

Media reports citing United States intelligence claimed Russia's purported strategy could involve targeting Polish infrastructure with missiles or drones, or sending soldiers into Poland. The aim of such a plot, according to these reports, would be to pressure Ukraine's Western allies into suspending aid to Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I don't mean to scare anyone but the coming months may truly be critical, also due to the changing nature of the war. These concerns are particularly palpable in the Baltic states," Tusk told reporters. He added that preparations were underway for various situations. "Let's not be afraid, we are preparing for various situations, but we cannot ignore them. We are aware of the threats, also thanks to information from our allies," Tusk said.

Donald Tusk previously stated in April that Russia had the potential to attack a NATO member state within months. Radek Sikorski, the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, stated in late June that he would not rule out a Russian false flag operation within the next two years to provide justification for an attack on a NATO state. NATO's Article 5 stipulates that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

Polish and Lithuanian forces conducted a joint military exercise in late June. Leaders at the upcoming NATO summit are expected to pledge continued funding for weapons for Ukraine.