By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Progress has been made in talks to end the war in Ukraine, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He noted that the US has been actively involved in shuttle diplomacy after proposing a ceasefire plan last month, and that the negotiations are not about imposing a deal. Consultations are ongoing with Ukrainian and European officials, with a new round beginning Friday. The revised US proposal is now being considered by Ukraine, Europe, and Russia, although the most difficult issues still remain.
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Ukraine: Zelenskyy’s Polish visit ‘bad news for Moscow,’ is what everyone’s saying, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The visit itself, and the context surrounding it, highlights precisely the kind of unity and strength that Russia desperately *doesn’t* want to see. The whole scenario feels like a significant setback for Moscow’s ambitions.
Ain’t nobody hates Russia like Poland hates Russia, and that’s a crucial point here. We’re not just talking about a casual relationship between these two countries; there’s a deep-seated historical animosity at play. This long history adds an extra layer of meaning to the visit. When Poland and Ukraine stand shoulder-to-shoulder, it’s not just a diplomatic gesture; it’s a symbolic slap in the face to Moscow, reminding them of the enduring resilience of the region.
Think about the recent EU approval of a massive €90 billion support package for Ukraine. This is another major factor, another piece of the puzzle. It underscores the financial and political backing that Kyiv is receiving, further solidifying its position and capability. Putin wants a weak, divided Ukraine. That’s the goal, plain and simple. Zelenskyy’s visit to Poland directly contradicts that goal, painting a picture of strength and solidarity.
I read a comment from a while back, which I thought was so telling. It was about someone having a drink with a Polish military guy, and at some point the question came up: “If Poland goes to war, do they start with Germany or Russia first?” The response? “We go east. Business before pleasure.” That sums up the priority for a lot of people in the region. The immediate threat, the primary concern, is to the east, pointing directly at Russia.
This focus on the eastern threat has ramifications. It’s a reminder of the historical realities that inform this relationship. It’s not just about current events; it’s about centuries of conflict and territorial disputes. This adds intensity to the situation. Poland’s willingness to stand with Ukraine is perceived as a significant challenge to Moscow’s objectives.
It’s been suggested that the US has wanted to separate Poland, Hungary, and others from the EU. The reasoning, as I understand it, is to weaken the bloc, creating a power vacuum that could be exploited. If that were the case, then this Polish visit, representing greater EU unity and support for Ukraine, would undoubtedly be a major blow to any such plans.
We should also consider that Putin still controls massive land in the Western Hemisphere, circling Europe. This is a crucial strategic element. Russia’s presence, its military capabilities, and its geopolitical ambitions all contribute to the sense of an encircling presence, creating an atmosphere of ongoing tension and instability.
Interestingly, the Finns are on level with the Poles here. They share the historical and geopolitical realities of Poland. The enduring threat from Russia. Their military planning reflects that.
A classic Finnish military joke captures this point perfectly. A conscript asks his commanding officer during an exercise if they should prepare for an attack from the West, too. After a moment, the officer replies, “Indeed, the enemy might feint!” This highlights the awareness of the potential for distractions and deception, but the core focus remains on the primary threat from the East.
Those four countries, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, create a buffer between Western Europe and the Baltics, a potential future battlefield. And that, in a nutshell, explains why any fracturing of the EU would benefit the other side.