Fearing Russia, Poland Arms Itself

Urszula Sidoruk (R), 19, takes part in a medical course organized by paramilitary organization called Obrona Narodowa (National Defense) in Mrozy near Minsk Mazowiecki, eastern Poland.



Spurred by the war in Ukraine, growing numbers of Poles are joining volunteer paramilitary groups to get basic military training and prepare to defend their homeland from what some see as a looming Russian invasion.



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Increased Paramilitary Activity in Poland in Fear of Russia's Aggression

Damian Trynkiewicz strips and re-assembles a weapon on measured time during a break in medical course.

Damian Trynkiewicz carries his weapon during territorial defense training.

A man gestures as he takes part in a territorial defense training.

Participants secure a position during a territorial defense training.

Beata Noskowicz, 27, a member of JS Strzelec (Shooters Association) and Obrona Narodowa paramilitary organizations performs her daily training at home in Siedlce, eastern Poland.

Participants gather and listen to instructions during a territorial defense training.

People take part in an endurance march during a territorial defense.

A man takes part in a territorial defense training.

Beata Noskowicz from Obrona Narodowa, a paramilitary organization, takes part in a territorial defense training.