Police counter-terrorism subdivisions in NATO eastern flank countries – new challenges in the present contemporary security threats

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has collapsed. The republics have regained their autonomy and subjectivity and became independent states. Russia began to be perceived as a partner rather than an enemy. We were accustomed to a situation in which the threats to the security of our existence were far away from the European borders. The main security challenge was primarily terrorism. Countries around the world have begun to set up counter-terrorism sub-units with the major task being principally to carry out combat operations in hostage rescue operations and to counter terrorist attacks by apprehending or eliminating terrorists. The establishing of counter-terrorist sub-units was based on models taken from elite military units, the so-called special units. The new situation – Russia’s war against Ukraine – led to recognition of the potential of counter-terrorism forces during armed conflicts.