Context: By the end of 2026, Poland intends to fortify nearly 40% of its border with the Kaliningrad Region and Belarus. The Eastern Shield project involves restoring bogs and peatlands to serve as natural barriers.
On January 29, information about the conscription of women into the Polish army was announced on the show Ekspertny Klub. Politicheskoe Radio Shou, which is broadcast on the First National Channel of Belarusian Radio.
“Polish media reports that young women, alongside men, will soon receive call-up papers. For now, the so-called ‘qualification for military service’ involves a medical check and document review for the military register. It’s not technically a draft yet, but it’s actually the first step towards it. The Polish authorities dream of creating the largest army in the European Union. They plan to enlist 300,000 people initially and ultimately reach 500,000. But there are almost no Poles willing to serve. Now, they are also trying to forcibly recruit women into the Polish army,” said anchor Ryhor Mitsiushnikau.
Actually, the presenter recited a news story published on News.by. Polish media outlets have reported different information about the draft. In 2026, the country will indeed hold a military qualification process, which includes an assessment of fitness for service and registration for military records. The scale of this event will be unprecedented: not only men, but also women, will receive call-up papers. Failing to appear will result in a fine. However, this does not apply to all women.
This group only includes women born between 1999 and 2007 who have received or are currently obtaining army-relevant professions, such as in medicine, veterinary science, psychology, translation, IT, or professions related to the marine or aviation sectors.
Military registration of women is not a Polish invention. This is also practiced in Belarus for certain professions. However, while Poland holds its qualifications once a year and covers women of a small age range, Belarus has permanent registration. After obtaining the relevant specialty, women (mostly medical professionals) automatically become permanently registered for military service at age 19.
