Russia vs Poland. 1000-Year Duel.

directed: Tatyana Borsch RU 2024 2h 36m

Poland currently stands as NATO's primary stronghold in the face of Russia. It boasts approximately 20 military sites, hosting NATO and US military personnel. The Polish people are told that the substantial military spending is due to the alleged threat posed by Russia.

Over centuries, these neighbouring nations become caught in confrontation, embroiling themselves in prolonged and harrowing wars. Throughout history, there have been moments where one country almost absorbed the other. In the 17th century, Polish forces seized Moscow, and Polish prince Władysław IV Vasa was even elected as a ruler of Russia. However, the course of history took a dramatic turn, leading to the late 18th-century partitioning of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This event marked Poland's loss of sovereignty for 123 years.

What underlies the animosity between Poland and Russia? Tune into this documentary for a comprehensive understanding of the historical roots that shape the modern relations between these two countries.

Hitler's invasion of Poland marked the start of World War II. Why did this happen and how did Europe descend into its darkest chapters? The documentary looks back at the origins of the First and Second World Wars and the interwar period. Where in Europe did the first concentration camps appear? How did Poland split into pro-Russian and pro-German factions during World War I? Why did Warsaw refuse to sign an anti-Nazi pact with Moscow? Historians suggest that this is the inevitable outcome of the thousand-year enmity between Poland and Russia. However, the history of their relationship is more complex than it appears. What secrets does this challenging period in European history hold? Discover the answers in the new documentary.

"But for the prodigious exertions and sacrifices of Russia, Poland was doomed to utter destruction at the hands of the Germans. Not only Poland as a state and as a nation, but the Poles as a race were doomed by Hitler to be destroyed or reduced to a servile station", said Winston Churchill in February 1945. After liberating Poland, the USSR provided over $600 billion to help rebuild the country. Yet, the Poles expelled General Rokossovsky, who had helped restore their army. Following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, they began rewriting history and removing monuments to Soviet soldiers. Now, they accuse the Soviet Army of occupation during the war and even blame it for the Katyn massacre. Why did this shift occur, and how does it affect current Russia-Poland relations? Find out in the final part of our trilogy on the evolving relationship between these neighbouring nations.