Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has advocated for the creation of a permanent European military structure, referred to as a “European Legion,” which could incorporate Ukrainian military personnel with combat experience following the conclusion of the war started by Russia.
Sikorski outlined the proposal during an interview with Ekathimerini, stating that the EU requires deeper military integration and autonomous defense capabilities.
“I strongly advocate for a ‘European Legion’, a dedicated, standing force that could recruit seasoned professionals from the broader European family, including battle-hardened Ukrainian veterans after the war,” Sikorski said.
The minister argued that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security and reduce its reliance on US assistance during crises. He noted that Washington’s strategic focus is shifting toward the Indo-Pacific.
“We cannot call Washington every time there is a fire in our backyard – whether that is a conventional threat or Moscow weaponizing migration flows from Africa and the Middle East against the EU,” Sikorski stated.
Sikorski clarified that the proposed structure is not intended as an alternative to NATO or to duplicate its functions. Instead, he described it as a means to strengthen the European component within the alliance.
“The United States remains the indispensable anchor of our collective defense, but its role is evolving. America will continue to provide unmatched technological and intelligence capabilities, but Europe must do the heavy lifting on the ground,” he said.
Hybrid threats and Russian doctrine
During the interview, Sikorski also addressed the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia against NATO’s frontline states.
He stated that Russia is utilizing its military doctrine of “Maskirovka,” which involves strategic camouflage, disinformation, and orchestrated provocations.
Sikorski indicated that the Kremlin is conducting a campaign to fracture European societies through disinformation and state-sponsored sabotage, including assassination plots, arson, and drone incursions.
He referenced recent incidents, such as the violation of Polish airspace by a Russian cruise missile and previous attempts to sabotage railway infrastructure using contractors.
Poland reported a 140% increase in cyberattacks last year, totaling nearly 700,000 incidents, which Sikorski noted has prompted the country to enhance its cyber defense frameworks.
Poland’s military modernization
Sikorski’s comments coincide with Poland’s ongoing efforts to accelerate its military modernization program. On Saturday, Aug. 15, Poland hosted its largest-ever military parade in Warsaw to mark Armed Forces Day.
During the event, Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that effective deterrence is a priority for the country, stating that “only those who are strong, well-prepared, truly independent and sovereign will avoid war.”
The parade featured more than 60 military aircraft and close to 2,000 Polish troops, alongside a display of new hardware, including US-designed F-35 fighter jets. A concurrent naval parade was held near the Baltic Sea cities of Gdynia and Gdańsk.
Poland allocated approximately 4.7% of its GDP to defense in 2025, the highest relative figure among NATO members, with a target of reaching 5% in 2026. The country aims to expand its armed forces to 500,000 service members, including 200,000 reservists, by 2039.