Poland plans $26bn civil protection budget

Poland's government said Tuesday it plans to allocate $26 billion to civil protection over the next four years as part of its response to the threat it says is posed by Russia.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the money would fund works, equipment and shelters for Poland's 37 million people in emergencies. He said the plans also include securing water and energy supplies, cybersecurity and secure communications.

Poland is a NATO member that borders Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, a Russian ally. It is also a logistics and training hub for Western military aid to Ukraine.

Warsaw has repeatedly warned of risks from Russian sabotage and hybrid warfare on Polish territory. Moscow rejects those accusations.

The planned civil protection budget follows measures already introduced this year and last year totalling nearly $8 billion.