# Last Russian troops leave (1993)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1993-last-russian-troops-leave
Location: Poland

The last Russian combat units left Poland, ending almost half a century of Soviet military presence. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (17 September 1993), the governing authority was Lech Wałęsa (President of Poland). Solidarity leader and 1983 Nobel Peace laureate; first popularly elected President of Poland. Last Russian troops leave mattered because it shaped the armed forces through which Poles defended or fought to regain their statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Last Russian troops leave mattered because it shaped the armed forces through which Poles defended or fought to regain their statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Lech Wałęsa](https://poland-history.com/rulers/lech-walesa)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Northern Group of Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Group_of_Armed_Forces)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Last Russian troops leave](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Last+Russian+troops+leave)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))