The article examines the strategic consequences of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine for Poland, Central and Eastern Europe, and the wider European security order. It reviews the failure of Russia’s initial "blitzkrieg", the subsequent stalemate and heavy human and demographic costs for Ukraine, and the scale and importance of Western military, humanitarian, and financial aid. The author analyzes the ideological underpinnings of Putinism and Moscow’s efforts to reconstruct a Russian sphere of influence through propaganda, covert action, and political financing. The paper assesses NATO EU responses - including increased European defense spending, debates over nuclear guarantees, and the potential role of Turkey - and highlights strategic dilemmas facing eastern flank states amid uncertain U.S. commitments. The study argues that durable security for Central Eastern Europe will depend on sustained European coherence, deeper regional cooperation, and long term political will to counter Russian neo imperial ambitions.