Emergency services hold crisis response exercise near Warsaw

Residents in and around Warsaw have been advised not to be alarmed by increased emergency activity on Thursday, 23 October, as local authorities carry out a large-scale civil defence exercise known as “Sokrates-25.”

The “Sokrates-25” drills near Warsaw are part of a coordinated training operation by local emergency services to test crisis-response procedures and strengthen the city’s readiness to protect residents in potential emergencies.

Photo courtesy of the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Headquarters

According to the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Headquarters, the drills are being conducted by Warsaw Waterworks in coordination with the Warsaw Mayor’s Office, the State Fire Service, and the Police.

The exercise will take place at Warsaw Waterworks facilities and in the nearby town of Pruszków, about 15 kilometres (9 miles) west of central Warsaw.

‘It’s only an exercise,’ police say

Authorities have warned that during the training drill, residents may notice sirens, loud noises, drone flights and increased movement of emergency vehicles, but stressed that it is only a simulation.

Dzisiaj (czwartek, 23 października) Wodociągi Warszawskie, w porozumieniu ze służbami Prezydenta Warszawy, przeprowadzą ćwiczenia pod kryptonimem „SOKRATES-25”. Przedsięwzięcie realizowane jest w ramach Programu Ochrony Ludności i Obrony Cywilnej przy wsparciu i współpracy… pic.twitter.com/eexCkhdA2F

— Policja Warszawa (@Policja_KSP) October 23, 2025

Officials said the goal of “Sokrates-25” is to improve coordination and crisis-response skills among emergency services and to test procedures ensuring the continuity of essential public utilities.

The exercise also aims to strengthen Warsaw Waterworks’ resilience to potential external threats and enhance the city’s preparedness to assist residents in emergency situations.

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Source: Radio Poland/Warsaw Metropolitan Police Headquarters