This week, the European Parliament hosted a crucial conference titled The Price of Weakness, addressing the West’s insufficient response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
The event brought together military, political, and economic experts to dissect the roots of Western inertia and propose actionable strategies for addressing the mounting threats posed by authoritarian regimes. MEP Reinis Pozņaks, the conference organiser and a vocal advocate for Ukraine, shared his perspectives in an exclusive EU Today interview.
The Misunderstanding of Russian Mentality
During the conference, Pozņaks offered a stark comparison between Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the atrocities of World War II, highlighting the continuity in its aggressive and oppressive policies. He contended that the West grapples with understanding the deeply rooted mindset behind Russian behaviour. “Russia doesn’t seek respect in the way democratic societies do,” Pozņaks observed. “For them, respect equates to fear, and the only language they truly understand is that of physical power.”
This cultural and psychological divide has long complicated Western policymaking. Efforts to approach Russia with rational arguments and diplomatic overtures have been met with contempt or outright aggression. Pozņaks warned, “If we fail to adapt to this reality, we risk finding ourselves in the same position as Ukraine — fighting for our survival.”
Missed Opportunities and Persistent Unpreparedness
Pozņaks lamented the West’s failure to act decisively after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. He highlighted that the warnings were evident a decade ago, yet meaningful preparations were never made.
“We had time to get ready before this conflict,” he said. “But even now, as the war rages on, we remain unprepared, producing only a fraction of the munitions Russia churns out daily.”
Speakers at the conference reinforced this troubling disparity, noting that authoritarian regimes like North Korea and Iran far surpass Western democracies in producing critical wartime supplies. “It’s incomprehensible,” Pozņaks remarked. “How is it that democracies, with all their resources and technological capabilities, are outpaced by nations under dictatorships?”
Democracy Under Threat
Beyond military inadequacies, Pozņaks expressed a deeper concern: the erosion of public faith in democracy itself. “What people see now is dictatorships delivering results — ammunition, rockets, soldiers — while democracies are stuck in endless debates,” he said. This perceived ineffectiveness, he warned, could pave the way for anti-democratic leaders to rise through elections, threatening the very fabric of democratic governance.
Pozņaks highlighted the urgency of countering this narrative by demonstrating that democracies can act decisively and effectively in times of crisis. He stressed, “If we fail to respond swiftly and robustly, we risk losing not just the war in Ukraine but the ideological battle for democracy worldwide.”
Structural Inertia in European Decision-Making
One of the significant challenges discussed was the cumbersome decision-making processes within the European Union. Pozņaks pointed to the European Council — composed of the heads of state or government of all 27 member countries — as a key bottleneck. “The further you are from Russia’s borders, the less you understand the urgency of the situation,” he noted.
This geographical and psychological distance often results in delayed decisions, undermining collective European action.
“We still can’t switch into war mode,” Pozņaks observed. “This inability to make fast, unified decisions is a critical weakness, especially when facing an adversary that thrives on exploiting delays and divisions.”
A Call to Action
The conference, which featured experts from military, political, and economic spheres, aimed to bridge these gaps in understanding and galvanise support for a stronger, more cohesive Western response. Pozņaks remains committed to raising awareness among policymakers, particularly those in nations more removed from the immediate threats posed by Russia. “Our mission is to explain, convince, and ensure that the risks are understood across Europe,” he said.
As the day’s discussions concluded, one message stood out: the price of weakness is far too high. From the human toll in Ukraine to the global ramifications of a faltering democratic order, the stakes could not be clearer. Pozņaks, reflecting on the event’s impact, expressed hope that it would spur the decisive action Europe so desperately needs.
“The risks are real,” he emphasised. “And we must act as soon and as fast as possible.”
Read also:
The Price of Weakness: European Parliament Discusses Europe’s Role in Ukraine’s Struggle
