The Russian challenge testing Europe

When the large-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine began on February 24th this year, no one could have known its outcome. The Russian dictator had stated his theorems before, about the status quo in the world and justified with them all the steps he has taken since 2014, and the West had to take note of them.

Almost half a year into the military operations, the large-scale destruction and the millions of Ukrainian refugees are showing that there is no room for bargaining with Russia. Ukraine is not a champion of democracy, yet it is fighting for its survival and the aggression created a strong Ukrainian unity.

It is a struggle for life, president Zelensky is asking for the help of the West, which will offer its assistance till the general mood of the public is favourable despite the major economical crisis taking shape. The West must carefully consider therefore where are the limits to freedom and independence, respectively the human values.

The fight must be continued consistently in three directions: on the battlefield, on the diplomatic level, and through informational channels. We must not forget how many sacrifices were involved in establishing and maintaining seventy-seven years of peace after World War II.
Securing peace today is only possible through a profound transformation of our worldview. This is now the biggest challenge since 1945, which can mobilize forces of immense size. We must find the path to peace, out of this bloody struggle, endangering our universal human values and our European heritage.

Original: Pannonicus: Az orosz kihívás Európa próbatétele (extract)