When German troops crossed the borders of Poland in September 1939, sanctimonious propaganda proclaimed Poland's triumph and the imminent end of the war. A small earlier, Marshal Edward Rydz-Smigły threatened that we would not give a button to anyone, and his supporters during the parades and manifestations raised shouts: “Head, lead us to the Kaunas!” The celebrated business of Zaolzia was besides confirmed by Poland's “powerful” position. These expressions of megalomania, arrogance, and irresponsibility of action collapsed like a home of cards in September 1939, erstwhile the chief and his entourage fled to Romania in terror, leaving the society to the plague of war.
Today, after nearly 80 years of comparative peace in our region, the demons of war have returned. The conflict in Ukraine consumes more and more victims, and the consequences of the war affect not only the fighting parties, but besides the civilian population. all day of war is another tragedy. The extension of this condition threatens to extend the conflict to neighbouring countries, including Poland.
Should we be active in military aid for Ukraine in this situation? In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, a de facto conflict between NATO and Russia, should we play the function of a bumper? The policy of the Polish authorities is clear – it is essential to supply Ukraine with arms and military equipment, as it removes the Russian threat. However, can specified action not be regarded by Russia as a direct commitment to conflict? This is simply a very risky and dangerous policy. Russia is simply a planet power with atomic arsenal. Despite sanctions imposed and a number of interior problems, it is simply a country with large resources and almost inexhaustible natural material potential. This is even seen by environments that are clearly in favour of Ukraine. For example, in defense24.pl, which is hard to think about pro-Russian sympathy, 1 can read: “We must remember that Russia's armed forces (which have shown a number of weaknesses) are only 1 component of the war strategy (because it is hard to talk of defence) of Russia, and its foundation is society and the full state. And so far, unfortunately, it is doing rather well – well adequate to sustain the war effort despite the gigantic even losses" [1].
However, there are also opinions from Polish politicians, which do not leave out well-being. For example, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has no uncertainty about the future of the war, who stated: “I effort to weigh my words, but I will say plainly. Ukraine and Europe will win this war – with or without Germany” [2]. The erstwhile Minister of abroad Affairs is even more far-sighted, and now associate of the European Parliament Anna Fotyg, who is considering the future dismantling of the Russian Federation: "International society cannot take a comfortable position on the side but should take the initiative to support the refedaralisation of the Russian state" [3]. The communicative of the rulers (but besides most of the opposition) is inconsistent and illogical—on the 1 hand, they treat Russia as a threat, but on the another hand they ignore its possible and neglect to see its Miltar power. Unlike Iraq, however, whether Libya is not a country in which it can be named as a consequence of an invasion, or as a consequence of a colourful revolution, the president and political elites are listed according to the interests of Western countries. According to the latest edition of the Global Firepower – Russia ranks second on the list of planet military powers.
In this situation, Poland's coming out in front of a number and striving to inflame the conflict are highly reckless and irresponsible. It is in Poland's interest to de-escalate the conflict and gradually normalize and stabilise the situation in Ukraine. Of course, this seems hard or impossible at this stage, but specified action should be taken by the global community. The expansion of the war outside Ukraine is the worst possible alternative. It is worth considering Albert Einstein's words at this point: "I do not know what kind of weapon will stay in the 3rd planet War, but the 4th will be on sticks and stones."
Michał Radzikowski
[1] Jakub Palowski: “Ukraine does not gotta win the war [4 points] – defence24.pl,
[2] ‘Europe and Ukraine win this war with or without Germany’ — ‘Rzeczpospolita’ — rp.pl/armoured conflicts/
[3] "What after Russia Putin? Fotyga: Take the initiative of refederalisation and make free states" – independent.pl.
