Poland charges ex-defense minister Błaszczak over military plan

Polish prosecutors have charged a former defense minister for revealing details of a national defense plan. Mariusz Błaszczak, who served from 2015 to 2023, declassified the plan originally created in 2011 under then-Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The plan outlined how the Polish army would retreat west to the Vistula River if Russia invaded from the east. Błaszczak announced the details in 2023, which has led to legal action against him. He was informed of the charges at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw. After being charged, Błaszczak told reporters that he believes the allegations are not valid. On social media, he expressed confidence in his actions, stating, "I would do it again without hesitation." He criticized Tusk, saying his disclosure helped inform Poles about troubling plans for Eastern Poland. Błaszczak emphasized the importance of revealing this information to prevent similar strategies in the future.