This policy research paper aims to serve as an invitation for a broader discussion about the political, social, economic, military, and security consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine from the perspective of Central and Eastern Europe. As the paper introduces a ‘frontline state’ concept as an analytical lens, it focuses on reactions, narratives, and perceptions of the selected ‘frontline states’ towards Russia’s war in Ukraine. Particularly it analyses initial responses to the war in these states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia), including societal and governmental support for Ukraine. The paper also attempts to shed light on propaganda, as well as the cyber and disinformation domains of the war, looking not only into the strategies of, but also into, Ukrainian’s predominant narrative. In the conclusion, there is a brief assessment of the consequences of the aggression faced by the ‘frontline states’, with a special emphasis on regional and transatlantic security dynamics.

Policy Research Paper: May 2023