The latest poll conducted by the Pollster investigation Institute commissioned by the “Super Express” paper shows that most Poles are not ready to actively engage in the defence of the country in the event of war.
Question asked: "Are you ready/ready to volunteer for the military or actively support the military in action?". As many as 57% of respondents replied that they were "not going to engage". Only 26 percent of those surveyed declared willing to volunteer or another active military support. Another 17% could not give a clear answer.
The survey was carried out on 10-11 September 2025 utilizing the CAWI method on a typical example of 1020 adult Poles, estimated errors scope about 3%. The results are interesting in the context of fresh safety events, including the breach of Polish airspace by Russian drones on the night of 9th to 10th September. any of these machines were shot down, and a full of 16 drones were confirmed in various voivodships. any of them are alleged decoys, i.e. unmanned without explosives, whose task may have been to distract air defence systems.
It seems that the motivations of those reluctant to engage in defence may be very different. any may be due to concerns about their own safety or the belief that their activity will not change much. Others may feel that the state should take collective work or that the current military institutions are sufficient. The article, which publishes the Super Express, states that real decisions in the event of war may be different from declarations – in the face of danger many people would most likely reconsider their position.
The analysis of the results besides shows that the survey can be a signal of how social attitudes make in a situation of constant global tension. Although the statements of readiness to defend are by far number (a quarter), the majority refuses to engage – but almost 1 in 5 participants are incapable to respond unequivocally, indicating a degree of indecision and possibly fear. This shows that society lives in an atmosphere of anxiety, possibly without full awareness of what war would mean in practice.
It is worth noting that answers can vary depending on the conditions: on information about the real threat, social mobilisation, the presence of conflict close to borders, as well as on the condition of state and military institutions, assurance in the authorities and the sense that the individual has a real impact. Declarations in polls frequently disagree from what people will actually do erstwhile confrontation becomes a fact.
In the end, the poll indicates that for present the Polish society is not prepared to engage personally in war activities, although any people show specified readiness. This is an crucial signal for defence politicians and decision-makers – both civic education, assurance building and creating conditions that could encourage active support in emergency situations.
