HSF Insight

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerabilities of European security. As conflict rages on Europe’s doorstep, it has become clear that relying solely on diplomatic and economic actions is not enough to ensure peace and stability.

While many of the recent threats aim specifically to undermine European support to Ukraine, Russia’s actions should be perceived as a long-term threat that requires sustainable long-term solutions.

Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has emphasised how important maintaining a credible deterrence and defence posture is – and how unprepared for this task most European states have long been.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks the first time in world history when a state uses its nuclear arsenal as coercive leverage in a war of conquest. The reverberations are felt throughout the world.

Poland is on track to be one of Europe’s most significant military powers. This naturally has effects on both European and NATO security and leverage.