The Ukrainian public has recently discussed media headlines stating that a third of Poles would consider leaving Poland in case of a direct military attack. This news, often met with irony, actually reflects deeper differences between societies—particularly in ethical priorities and underlying values.
For many, it's hard to imagine a democratic Western state closing its borders, even during escalation. This attitude roots in a human-centric philosophy, where government policies are designed to safeguard lives, and the value of each person guides societal strategies. For instance, in both Europe and Israel, restricting citizens' movement during emergencies is rare. Instead, states focus on protecting their people, not turning them into forced heroes by circumstances.
This situation highlights the contrast between Western human-centric societies and Eastern statist models, where the state takes precedence and individual lives are often seen as mere resources. In the West, human rights are innate; the state exists to secure those rights, not to grant them. Human-centrism holds that citizens’ rights are intrinsic, and this idea marks a baseline of civilization.
NATO countries like Poland rely on professional armies—civilians are not expected to go to the front, and their safety is an institutional concern. In contrast, the lingering Soviet-style expectation of mass mobilization in some Eastern societies makes this Western approach seem unfamiliar.
So, the logic behind a third of Poles potentially leaving is clear: for them, life and safety are the highest priorities, and the state serves as a means of protection. Notably, thousands of young Ukrainians left for Poland in just the past week, echoing similar instincts. Rather than mocking neighbors, it may be time to rethink prevailing attitudes about ethics and collective security.
In conclusion, the author encourages Ukrainians to reconsider their approach and adopt Western principles that prioritize human protection and rights as the foundation of societal ethics and civilizational choice.
