Most people may believe that we tend to learn from past mistakes. On the other hand, some may prefer to subscribe to the approach of ‘let the bygones be bygones’ (or, in Latin terms, quod periit, periit), and focus on looking toward the future. However, when the past catches up with us, we must pay close attention to it and figure out what we want our next steps to be. 

The Russian invasion has caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Ukraine and raised concerns among neighboring states about the potential escalation of the aggression. The protracted war triggered by the occupation has profound implications – not exclusively for the security and stability of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, but also for the rest of the world.