Polish border deterrence and the risk of escalation

Was Russia likely to attack Poland, or could Poland intervene in Ukraine without widening the conflict?

A direct attack on Poland was unlikely, but Polish intervention inside Ukraine would risk a wider Russia-NATO conflict.

Russia was unlikely to attack Poland deliberately during the opening phase of the invasion. Poland fielded a motivated and capable force, and an attack would engage the wider NATO alliance. Polish entry into the fighting inside Ukraine would likewise broaden the war and raise the risk of direct conflict between Russia and NATO. The assessment therefore treats the border as a source of deterrence and potential escalation at the same time.