In a recent meeting of the Helsinki Commission, Paul Massaro, the staff director, expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine, nearly three years after its onset. He highlighted the critical role of Ukraine in averting a broader disaster in Europe, emphasizing that had Russia succeeded in its military objectives, countries like Poland could have faced dire consequences, including a significant increase in Russian military presence and potential conscription of millions.

Massaro reflected on the initial optimism that followed the early stages of the conflict, noting that many believed a new geopolitical paradigm was emerging. However, he lamented that, three years later, the anticipated changes have not materialized as expected. He pointed out that while there have been some developments, particularly with Poland and Finland, the overall situation remains precarious and the lessons of the conflict have yet to resonate fully across various nations.

The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges faced by European nations in responding to Russian aggression and the need for a unified approach to ensure regional stability. Massaro's remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in international relations and the long-term implications of the war on European security.