Michał Szułdrzyński: Four years of war. A daily exam for the West
The fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine serves as a reminder that the war presents daily challenges that the West must face continuously.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine approaches, it's evident that this ongoing conflict poses a persistent challenge for Western countries. The war is not just a singular event, but rather a continuous test that requires daily responses from both societies and governments. New threats and challenges arise regularly, necessitating constant vigilance and adaptability from the West.
In the early days of the conflict, Poland's society, businesses, local governments, and the state displayed a remarkable gesture of solidarity towards Ukraine. The European Union, often criticized, also rose to the occasion by implementing a total of twenty sanction packages against Russia. Initially met with shock, the EU managed to create a financial aid mechanism for Ukraine while shifting its priorities to finance military expenditures, which became vital in light of Russian aggression.
However, the ongoing presence of Ukrainians in Poland is likely to lead to tensions as the war continues. Just five years prior, it seemed impossible that many French and German elites would transition into a more favorable view of Ukraine. The evolving context of the war influences public perceptions and geopolitical stances, raising questions about the long-term implications of this conflict for European solidarity and security.