The bad dream has come back to visit the residents of the port of Gdansk, Poland, where World War II began and the end of communist dictatorship in Europe was marked. This historical setting now revives memories of the past as the consequences and threats of a nearby military conflict worry the population.
After 36 years of relative stability and freedom, war and its shadows return. The invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's troops has broken the rule of not altering borders through the use of force, sowing uncertainty and fear in the Baltic region.
The enclave of Gdansk, where Lech Walesa led a peaceful challenge to the regime in August 1980, witnesses these historical whirlwinds. The underground structures of Solidarity operated in the shadows while the population dreamed of freedom. The signing of the 21 points at the Gdansk Shipyards in 1980 marked a milestone in the fight against communism in Europe.
On the night of December 12, 1981, Martial Law was imposed with tanks in the streets and jails full of opponents. Walesa was imprisoned, the word Solidarity was banned, and the country was plunged into fear. The sacrifice and resistance of the Poles during that time are remembered with admiration and respect.
Now, the future of the region is uncertain. Ukraine's defense with the help of Western powers contrasts with Russia's intervention supported by dictatorial regimes. The fear of escalation of the conflict and new aggressions awakens old ghosts in Gdansk, reminding of the martyrdom and struggle of past generations.
The question resonates in the icy streets of Gdansk, what assurance is there that after Ukraine they will follow? The shadow of war, with its conflicts and tragedies, looms again over Europe, reminding everyone that freedom and peace are fragile achievements that require constant vigilance and commitment.
