Most Poles Would Not Defend Country, Poll Finds

1 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

An IBRiS poll finds low Polish willingness to defend the country; men more ready than women. The result matters for expats and investors.

The latest IBRiS poll reveals that most Poles would not take up arms if war came. Consequently, the finding highlights concerns about national resilience and Polish willingness to defend the country.

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Poll details and what people said

IBRiS asked 1,067 adults between July 10 and 11, 2026. The survey asked whether respondents would defend Poland if war arrived. About 12 percent answered “definitely yes”. Moreover, just over 15 percent said “rather yes”. However, nearly 35 percent replied “rather no”. Slightly more than 23 percent chose “definitely no”. Finally, almost 15 percent answered “don’t know” or “hard to say”.

Men reported far higher readiness. Specifically, 42 percent of men said yes. Conversely, 44 percent of men said no. In contrast, only 14 percent of women declared readiness. Meanwhile, 71 percent of women said they would not fight. In addition, the poll asked whether people would try to leave Poland if war threatened. About 23 percent said they would probably or definitely leave. However, 68 percent said they would probably or definitely stay. Women showed more willingness to leave than men.

Polish willingness to defend the country and political divides

The survey also showed political splits. Supporters of Law and Justice (PiS), Partia Razem, Konfederacja, and Konfederacja Korony Polskiej reported higher readiness. On the other hand, voters for the Civic Coalition (KO), the Left (Lewica), PSL and Polska 2050 were less willing. Therefore, political identity appears linked to attitudes on defence.

Security context: Russia, Lubelszczyzna and military views

Radio ZET published the poll before the July 30 missile incident in the Lublin region. Consequently, public mood may have shifted since then. A Russian Kh-101 missile later struck near Tarnawa-Kolonia in Biłgoraj County. General Artur Jakubczyk, a former brigadier general, told us that Russia is testing Poland. He argued that Moscow aims to keep eastern Poland tense. Moreover, he warned that this narrative could scare investors away from the Lublin area. Therefore, he called for faster changes in training and law. He also urged the military to adapt lessons from Ukraine. In addition, he recommended that politicians improve legal and procedural frameworks.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, register with your embassy and sign up for local alerts. Learn basic local systems (PESEL is your national ID number; ZUS is social security; NFZ runs public health insurance; a “mandat” is a police fine). Consequently, keep copies of your documents and know evacuation routes. In addition, check how to access healthcare under NFZ if you lose employment. Finally, contact local authorities about civilian readiness programs and volunteer defence units.

Why this matters to expats: low readiness affects social stability. Moreover, it shapes how local communities respond to crises. Therefore, businesses may reconsider plans in eastern Poland. In addition, conscription remains suspended in peacetime, but Poland now expands voluntary and reserve units. Consequently, expect more recruitment drives and public training offers.

For investors and foreign residents, the numbers signal caution and opportunity. Investors should weigh security risks for eastern projects. However, authorities emphasize continued support for foreign business. Therefore, follow official alerts and get registered with your embassy.

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