Objectives:
This study explores the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War on Poland’s Territorial Defence Forces (TDF), focusing on their adaptation to hybrid threats and expanded civil-military roles. Through comparison with defence models in Finland, Israel, and Ukraine, it proposes measures to strengthen resilience, decentralisation, and societal integration.

Material and methods:
The study used a qualitative approach combining polemology and irenology.Methods included analysis of official documents,11 expert interviews (with TDF officers, civil defence managers, analysts), and comparative study of Ukraine, Finland, and Israel. Clausewitz’s strategic depth and Galtung’s violence typologies framed the analysis. Despite limited access to operational data, triangulation ensured validity. Findings focus on hybrid defence, civil-military integration, and regional security architecture.

Results:
TDF development shows progress in hybrid readiness, drone use, and community-based defence. Strategic areas—ports, rivers, and borderlands—require more brigades. Recruitment faces challenges due to lack of employer support. Modular, short-term training is gaining interest. TDF’s social role has grown—supporting crisis response, disinformation and psychological resilience. Comparative insights highlight the value of decentralised, civic-anchored defence systems.

Conclusions:
The study confirms that effective defence must combine kinetic capacity with civil resilience. TDF’s evolving role—military, social, and symbolic—demands expanded deployment (e.g., 30 brigades in key zones) and full integration into national cybersecurity and crisis systems. Combatting “cultural lies” and strengthening civic trust are vital. TDF represents a shift toward multi-domain deterrence, bridging state and society, warfighting and peacebuilding.