The Russia-Ukraine War, which started on February 24, 2022, [1] had a profound impact on the global system. The European region, in particular, has been one of the most affected regions by the war. This situation has also deeply affected the global economy. The energy crisis that emerged after the war, [2] is one of the most obvious examples of this situation On the other hand, the European Union (EU) has imposed a number of sanctions against Moscow, [3] most notably the oil price ceiling. [4]
Within the Western pole, Continental Europe, led by Germany and France, and the Transatlantic Alliance, led by the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom, are divided on the war. Washington and London advocate a tougher policy towards Moscow. Berlin and France, on the other hand, emphasize that a tougher stance against Russia would have a worse impact on Europe. It can be argued that the rise of the far right in Europe has a significant impact on the emergence of such a picture.
In particular, Eastern European countries pursue tough policies against Russia. In this context, Poland stands out. Warsaw wants the West to be tougher militarily against Moscow. Poland was the first state in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to increase its defense spending to 4%. [5] This is also the highest ratio among NATO states. Moreover, Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik stated on August 9, 2023 that his country would deploy 2,000 troops to the border with Belarus.[6]
Poland is increasingly concerned about the border region after hundreds of combat-experienced Wagner [7] mercenaries arrived last month at the invitation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko Belarus began military exercises near the border this week, and Lukashenko has on several occasions announced that he had thwarted Wagner fighters who wanted to attack Poland.
Poland has also seen an increase in the number of mainly Middle Eastern and African migrants trying to cross the border in recent months. At this point, Poland accused Belarus of recruiting migrants from poor countries and sending them illegally across the border to foment instability. [8] On the other hand, Wasik said, “This reinforcement will be 2,000 troops, not 1,000. This decision was made jointly by the Security Committee and Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.” Wasik also noted that attempts by migrants to enter Poland illegally are now organized by the Belarusian authorities.[9]
In conclusion, Eastern European countries, Poland in particular, will not soften their attitude towards the Russia-Ukraine War as long as the war continues. On the contrary, these relations will continue to harden
[1] “February 24, 2023-It’s Now One Year Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Began”, Cable News Network World, https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-02-24-23/index.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[2] “Natural Gas Soars 700%, Becoming Driving Force in the New Cold War”, Bloomberg, https://shorturl.at/irB79, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[3] “EU Agrees to Set $60 Price Cap Level for Russian Oil Exports”, Bloomberg, https://shorturl.at/flETZ, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[4] “Impact of EU Sanctions for European Companies in the Gulf”, Arabian Gulf Business Insight, https://shorturl.at/sFOW7, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[5] “Poland to Spend 4% of GDP on Defence This Year, Highest Current Level in NATO”, Notes from Poland, https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/01/31/poland-to-spend-4-of-gdp-on-defence-this-year-highest-current-level-in-nato/, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[6] “Poland to Send 2,000 Troops to Reinforce Belarus Border”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-send-2000-troops-reinforce-belarus-border-2023-08-09/, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[7] “What is Russia’s Wagner Group, and Where are Its Fighters?”, British Broadcasting Corporation News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60947877, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[8] “Poland To Send Additional 2,000 Troops To Belarusian Border”, Radio Free Europe Raido Liberty, https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-poland-troops-border/32540858.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
[9] “Poland to Send 2,000 Troops to Reinforce Belarus Border”, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 07.08.2023).
