POLAND’S leaders stressed the need for a strong military in the face of war in neighbouring Ukraine as they led solemn ceremonies today to mark the 85th anniversary of German Nazi forces invading Polish territory at the start of World War II.

Some 1,200 people were killed during the attack during the early hours of September 1 1939.

This comes as fears grow of electoral gains by a far-right party in two state elections in eastern Germany.