Former US Force Commander in Europe, General Ben Hodges, warns that Europe – and especially Poland – is facing a turning point today. His words are clear: if Ukraine falls or if Russia forces peace on its terms, then the consequences for the region will be serious and dramatic for Poland.
According to Hodges, the failure script of Ukraine means not only immense migration – millions of people seeking shelter mainly in Poland, Germany and Romania – but besides a strategical threat. Russia, seeing the inactivity of Europe, can recognise that the West has no political will to resist. And this – as the general warns – will dare Putin to take further steps.
In the light of these warnings, peace talks are underway in Riyadh, where US and Russian delegations have begun negotiations on Ukraine. The problem is that, as Hodges notes, Europe has been de facto excluded from them. Meetings are held without the key European capitals. Earlier, Americans met with Ukrainians, but now the game is going on between Washington and Moscow.
This, according to the General, should be an emergency signal. Europe can no longer number on individual else to take care of its safety. It must act – diplomatic, military and political.
Hodges stresses that lasting peace in Ukraine will not be possible without Europe's participation.
– I hope that the Donald Trump administration will find its way to real peace," he said, referring to the US's current activities. "But it will be very hard without active participation of Europe," he added.
In his opinion, the inactivity of the continent can be interpreted by Moscow as a permission. And this increases the hazard of further military action – this time possibly in NATO territory.
For Poland this informing is of peculiar importance. It is found not only on the border of conflict, but besides in the first place countries that will be affected by the possible failure of Ukraine. The influx of refugees, the destabilisation of the region, political and economical pressures are only part of the real threats.
The conclusions of General Hodges' statements are clear: Europe, and especially Poland, cannot wait with their hands on. You should be at the table erstwhile the future of Ukraine is decided. We must co-create peace – not only hope others do. due to the fact that the price for inactivity can be another conflict – this time much closer to our homes.
