Geostrategic Determinants of the Security of Poland and Ukraine

This analysis examines the geostrategic factors shaping the security of Poland and Ukraine in the context of Russia's aggressive policies. It highlights how the 2014 annexation of Crimea, destabilization of eastern Ukraine, militarization of Kaliningrad, and the 2022 full-scale invasion have created unprecedented security challenges for Central and Eastern Europe. The article argues that Russia employs hybrid warfare tactics—including disinformation, cyberattacks, economic blockades, and border incidents—to undermine regional stability and revise the post-Cold War international order. Poland's strategic location between Germany and Russia, described as a 'crush zone' and geopolitical pivot, forces it to balance land and maritime influences. In response, regional states have accelerated military modernization, increased defense spending, and strengthened cooperation within NATO and the EU. The Kremlin seeks to create a buffer zone in the post-Soviet area, while Poland and Ukraine are viewed as critical forelands for Russia's imperial ambitions. The analysis concludes that effective deterrence and regional solidarity are essential for countering Russian expansionism.