Yurii Honcharenko, head of the InfoLight.UA research and analysis group, believes that accusations against Ukrainians for honoring their national heroes serve only as a cover for other political goals. In his view, European politicians who succumb to Russian populism underestimate the risk: if Ukraine is weakened, a conventional war could instantly spread to NATO territory.
According to the expert, the intensification of disputes surrounding memory politics in Poland is not a natural process. It is the result of a long search for a convenient tool to justify protectionism and political pressure. Honcharenko emphasizes that the initial impetus for such divisions comes from the Russian cognitive machine, which systematically destabilizes European democracies from within.
“As for Russia, we need to take a broader view here: Russian influence is felt not only in Poland, but throughout Europe. You can draw a comparison: mainstream politicians are shifting toward populism, as in France, Italy, and Germany. Those who have been directly funded by Russia or supported by Russia are becoming part of the mainstream,” he notes.
Instead of partners trading accusations, Honcharenko calls on allies to focus on strengthening their own countries’ information resilience and defense capabilities.
“Yes, Russia is making plans, and the Poles should understand that Ukraine currently stands between them and war. If Ukraine falls—God forbid—war will reach them almost instantly. European countries would do well to better protect their armed forces and information space, because political changes in the European landscape could serve as a trigger for active Russian military operations,” says the head of the InfoLight.UA Research and Analysis Group.
According to the expert’s assessment, the Kremlin is deliberately provoking initial waves of tension, which subsequently take on a life of their own in the domestic political debates of European countries. At the same time, ignoring Ukraine’s key role in the region’s security architecture creates a false sense of security among its neighbors—one that Moscow is capable of shattering at any moment.