The “Miracle on the Vistula” of 1920

One hundred and five years ago, Polish soldiers achieved a heroic victory over Bolshevik Russia in the Battle of Warsaw, halting the Red Army’s march into Europe. In commemoration of this event, August 15 is celebrated as the Polish Armed Forces Day.

“The ‘Miracle on the Vistula’ was a miracle of heroism, courage, and faith in one’s own strength, as well as the unity of the Polish nation,” stressed Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his meeting with GROM soldiers.

In 1920, Poles defeated the Russians despite the Bolshevik army being considered invincible.

“Today we hear that supporting Ukraine makes little sense, because Russia cannot be beaten. I want everyone in Europe and NATO to remember the Polish 15th of August. To remember that what matters is strength and the conviction that victory is possible,” said the Prime Minister.

The Battle of Warsaw is considered one of the most important battles in world history. Thanks to courage and determination, Poles defeated a far larger Bolshevik army.

Three Pillars of Poland’s Security

The greatest strength and guarantee of Poland’s security is a well-trained and well-equipped army.

“In today’s world, only the strong are respected. Thanks to its soldiers, Poland is today a strong state,” emphasized the head of government.

The Polish army, now one of NATO’s main forces, also enjoys immense public trust. Soldiers are trusted by 84% of citizens—the highest level in history.

“We all in Poland love our army. The military, more than anyone, deserves the recognition and trust of millions of Poles,” said Donald Tusk.

The government consistently works to increase the number of soldiers and to guarantee Poles’ security. The strength of any army also depends on modern and innovative combat equipment. That is why funding for the Polish military has been increased—from 4.1% of GDP in 2024 to 4.7% in 2025. Poland now has the largest defense budget in its history.

Politicians Must Unite Around Poland’s Security

The second pillar of our country’s strength is the unity of the Polish political class around matters of security and international policy.

“Polish politicians are and must be united. I will do everything—because someone must instill this principle in public life—to ensure that we stand united on issues of security, international policy, and the defense of our borders whenever needed,” assured the Prime Minister.

The current situation requires that in the most important matters, Polish politicians remain as united as their predecessors were 105 years ago, during the defense against Bolshevik Russia.

The third pillar of Poland’s strength is responsible policy.

“Poland does not seek enemies or unnecessary risks. We have strong support in NATO and the European Union. We cooperate well with most of our neighbors,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

He noted that the government’s responsible policy allows confidence that Poland will not face any direct threat.

GROM – Pride of the Polish Armed Forces

GROM is an elite special forces unit established in 1990. Its commandos continue the tradition of the legendary Cichociemni, the Home Army paratroopers dropped into occupied Poland during World War II.

The Prime Minister recalled the history and legacy of GROM’s founders—Generals Sławomir Petelicki and Gromosław Czempiński—who laid the foundation of the present unit.

“I remember the birth of GROM. I know that you remember and honor your commanders and, above all, the heroes who gave their lives in service to the Fatherland—in missions that were difficult, risky, demanding courage, imagination, and extraordinary skills. You are the apple of the entire Polish nation’s eye. […] Here, in the GROM unit, nothing is impossible. You have never sought excuses to say something couldn’t be done. For you, everything is possible, and I know these are not empty words,” Donald Tusk told the Polish commandos.

GROM is prepared for the toughest and most demanding military operations.

“You are a unit created to win. You exist so that every Pole knows that if they face danger—you are there to help them in any situation and to eliminate the adversary threatening our state and its citizens,” said the Prime Minister.

“Thanks to you, everyone in Poland feels secure, confident, and increasingly assured—both Poland as a state and Poles as a nation. You are born winners—I know it,” he added.

GROM soldiers are ranked alongside the world’s top special forces—Delta Force, Navy SEALs, and the SAS.