POLAND AS A FRONT-LINE NATION IN THE WAKE OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The outbreak of Russian aggression toward Ukraine has created an existential threat for Poland, including a reminiscence of the historical struggle imposed by the Russian Empire and Soviet Russia to safeguard sovereignty. The war has further transformed the perception of the Russian Federation into seeing it as an aggressive nation striving to recreate its spheres of influence. This has been seen especially over the last two decades. This paper* will discuss specific aspects of Poland’s evolution of awareness of Russia as an aggressive nation using military forces to change existing national borders, violating international law and human rights principles, and committing war crimes against the civilian population. This paper is based on official documents and current data about the conflict, but it also reflects changes in Polish public opinion and military support for Ukraine when fighting for freedom and sovereignty.