Eastern Europe as a Community of Values - thoughts in the light of the Russian-Ukrainian war

Abstract

The objective of this article is to interpret the concept of Eastern Europe after Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine which started on February 24th 2022. The author presents evidence that the assistance of Eastern European states offered to Ukraine is a result of their experience with the socialist system as well as the cultural competence which was shaped as a result of this experience. Throughout the analysis the author points to what have led to the distinctiveness of Eastern European culture whose foundation can be found in the experience of being a part of the socialist bloc. The states that were under the influence of the Soviet Union were subject to processes of social and cultural integration. Their societies also experienced the process of creation of a Slavic community. This tradition has had a clear impact on the functioning of these states today. That is why, the states in Eastern Europe often adopt similar political and social models when solving problems, which can also be seen in their reactions to the war in Ukraine.