The Image of a Polish Soldier During Russia's Aggression Against Ukraine (Based on Selected Examples)

Abstract

On February 24, 2022, Russia's aggression against Ukraine triggered significant socio-political changes in Poland. This paper analyzes these changes, focusing on social aspects and their impact on Polish society. Special attention is given to the attitudes of Poles towards soldiers and the military, which play a crucial role in the context of national security. The study also examines society's views on participation in military training, compulsory military service, and the role of women in the armed forces. The paper further explores changes in the military training system, covering various stages of military education and opportunities for skill enhancement, such as the Academic Legion program. Additionally, the attitudes of training participants toward practical and theoretical elements, as well as the overall organization of the training process, are analyzed. Furthermore, the role of defense education in shaping civic attitudes and preparing society for crisis situations is discussed, including knowledge of wartime procedures and the level of citizen readiness to undertake defensive actions