In a recent interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that Europe is currently in a "pre-war era" and expressed concerns about the readiness of the continent to confront the threat posed by Russia. Tusk pointed out that war is not a concept of the past, but a current reality that started over two years ago.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the most troubling aspect of the situation is the unpredictability of future scenarios. He stated that any possibility is on the table, highlighting that the current circumstances have not been seen since the end of World War II in 1945.

Tensions have been rising since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European leaders and military officials have become increasingly alarmed that the conflict could spill over to other countries along the Russian border. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied any intention to attack NATO countries.

The war in Ukraine has disrupted the post-Cold War geopolitical order and has forced European nations to seriously reconsider their defense strategies. Sweden and Finland, traditionally neutral Scandinavian countries, have made the unexpected move of joining NATO. Baltic nations Estonia and Lithuania have significantly increased their defense budgets beyond NATO's minimum requirement of 2% of GDP. Moldova, vulnerable to Russian meddling due to its proximity to Ukraine, is also accelerating its path to European Union membership.

The "Weimar Triangle," consisting of France, Germany, and Poland, has taken the lead in efforts to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities against further Russian aggression. Tusk, who returned to power after last year's election, has been focused on bringing Poland back to the European mainstream after a period of authoritarian rule under the Law and Justice Party.

Given Poland's geographic location between Germany and Russia, the country has long recognized the importance of a robust defense. Its military budget for this year surpassed 4% of its GDP, twice the guideline established by NATO. Additionally, Poland has provided refuge to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

Interestingly, Poland recently reported that a Russian cruise missile had entered its airspace, a recurring incident during the ongoing war, and demanded an explanation from Moscow.

Despite the significant efforts made to strengthen Europe's defense, Prime Minister Tusk acknowledged that there is still a long way to go. He emphasized the need for Europe to be independent and self-sufficient in defense while maintaining a strong alliance with the United States.

Tusk's remarks came amid differing viewpoints from US Presidents regarding the Ukrainian crisis. While current President Joe Biden has shown unwavering support for Ukraine, former President Donald Trump stated last month that he would encourage Russia to act freely against any NATO member not meeting defense spending guidelines if reelected.

Prime Minister Tusk highlighted the importance of nurturing transatlantic relations regardless of the US president's stance on the matter.

Furthermore, Tusk warned about the potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine following a recent terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. He expressed concern that Russian President Putin could use this tragedy as a pretext for further aggression. Tusk cited historical examples, such as the 2002 hostage crisis at Moscow's Dubrovka Theatre and the 2004 school hostage situation in Beslan, as evidence of Putin's past tactics.

As Europe continues to grapple with the complexities of the Russian threat, the urgency to fortify defenses and maintain strong alliances has become paramount. Prime Minister Tusk's words serve as a stark reminder that the continent must be prepared for the challenges ahead in order to safeguard peace and stability.