Berlin, 29 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Russian invasion of Ukraine a little over two years ago heralded a new, warlike era in Europe.

"I know it sounds devastating, especially for the younger generation, but we have to get used to the fact that a new era has begun: the pre-war era. I am not exaggerating; this is becoming clearer every day," he told German newspaper Die Welt and European partner media.

"I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past. It is real, and it started over two years ago."

The most worrying thing at the moment is that literally any scenario is possible, said Tusk. "We haven't seen a situation like this since 1945." In that year, World War II came to an end with the surrender of Hitler's Germany.

At the same time, Tusk said that he was observing a revolution in the European mentality. Nobody was questioning the need for common defence anymore.

"Take a look at Germany, where a huge turnaround has taken place. Today, the CDU and SPD are competing to see which of them is more pro-Ukrainian."

In view of the instrumentalization of migrants by Russia, he called for more consistent protection of the EU's external borders.

"The European Union as a whole, as a powerful organisation, must be mentally prepared to fight for the security of our borders and our territory," he said.

Photo: EPA