English Section

Poland has 40 mln people ready to defend homeland: PM

13.06.2022 14:00
Poland’s prime minister said on Monday that his country had some 40 million people ready to defend their homeland against a potential attack by Russia.
Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks to reporters in the southern town of Myszków on Monday, June 13, 2022.
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks to reporters in the southern town of Myszków on Monday, June 13, 2022.Twitter/KPRM

Mateusz Morawiecki made the remark at a media briefing in the southern town of Myszków, where he took part in the launch of a new shooting range for the local community, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

A shooting range in every district

Morawiecki said his government was carrying out a programme to make "modern shooting galleries" available in every district across Poland. 

He added he hoped "the skills honed on the shooting ranges will never have to be used on a battlefield, as is the case now in Ukraine.”

“We wish for peace, but we know the Roman saying: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war,’” he said. 

Strengthening of armed forces

“We must be sufficiently armed so that we deter the opponent,” Morawiecki told reporters.

He added that his government was working to strengthen the Polish army "in terms of numbers and military equipment.” 

Access to guns

Morawiecki also announced that Polish lawmakers would draw up a bill in the coming months to regulate access to guns.

He said: “Access to guns is designed to make our state strong and ready - stronger and better trained in using guns.”

40 million Poles 'ready to take up arms'

“If Russia were ever to consider attacking Poland, Russia must be aware, the Kremlin must be aware, that in Poland there are 40 million people ready to take up arms in defence of their homeland,” Morawiecki added.

Monday is day 110 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP, tvp.info