Stories: Voices on Peace and War

The article argues that Russia’s war in Ukraine has evolved into a broader test of European security, with Moscow still intent on weakening NATO, destabilizing neighboring states, and revising the post–Cold War order despite heavy military losses. While Russia’s conventional forces have been degraded, the Kremlin has adapted through mobilization, expanded weapons production, hybrid warfare, and nuclear coercion, exploiting what the author describes as Western political division, slow defense investment, and uncertainty about long-term U.S. commitment. The piece concludes that countries such as Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states are preparing seriously for the threat, while Moldova remains highly vulnerable, and warns that hesitation by NATO and Europe could encourage Russia to expand pressure beyond Ukraine.