The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, recently stated that Europe is currently in a pre-war era and still has a long way to go before it can effectively confront the threat posed by Russia. Tusk warned that war is no longer a concept of the past, and it is a present reality that started over two years ago. He added that any scenario is possible, and it is the most concerning situation Europe has faced since 1945.

The Prime Minister urges everyone to accept this new era and its seriousness, as it is becoming clearer every day. His statements have been published in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt on Friday.

Russia’s military intervention disrupted the established geopolitical order after the Cold War. The event prompted European countries to take their defense seriously after years of cutting their military budgets. Countries located on the border of Russia also took more drastic measures. Recently, Sweden and Finland, two traditionally neutral Scandinavian countries, joined NATO. This move would have been highly unlikely just two years ago.

Estonia and Lithuania have also increased their defense spending to levels far beyond NATO’s minimum commitment of 2% of GDP. Moldova, another country bordering Ukraine, which is vulnerable to Russian interference, is currently on a fast track to join the European Union.

Furthermore, France, Germany, and Poland, collectively known as the “Weimar Triangle,” are leading the continent’s rearmament efforts and working towards protecting Europe against further Russian aggression.

Tusk returned to power after last year’s election and has since been trying to haul Poland back into the European mainstream after nearly a decade of authoritarian rule under the populist Law and Justice Party.

Poland, sandwiched between Germany and Russia, has long been aware of the importance of strong defense. This year, Poland’s military budget was more than 4% of its GDP – double NATO’s guideline. It has also welcomed millions of Ukrainians who have fled Russia’s invasion.

Last weekend, Poland said a Russian cruise missile aimed at Ukraine had entered its airspace – a repeat occurrence during more than two years of war – and demanded an explanation from Moscow.