Poland stood at the forefront as the country received the largest share of Ukrainian refugees. The extraordinary welcome from Polish people sent a clear message of solidarity, cooperation, partnership, and compassion in a moment of crisis, according to US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski on Thursday.
Poland acted with remarkable speed
Speaking at a conference launching the Polish segment of the Regional Action Plan for Refugees from Ukraine, Brzezinski highlighted Poland’s rapid mobilization and help, noting that the world witnessed the extent of this response.
The standard for aid was set high, he stated, emphasizing that a year after the invasion, more than 8 million people had been forced to flee Ukraine.
Poland emerged as the primary entry point for Ukrainian refugees, and the warmth of reception demonstrated by ordinary Poles became a powerful signal of solidarity, cooperation, and humanitarian leadership in recent months. Brzezinski called Poland a humanitarian superpower during this period.
The US ambassador’s message of gratitude
He noted the creation of centers where refugees could connect and form temporary communities, and he mentioned support for schools to ensure every Ukrainian child could find a place in a Polish school if they wished to attend. Yet the scale of need among refugees remained immense.
As long as the war continues, refugees deserve sustained and unwavering support, Brzezinski affirmed.
He added that America remembers the principle of equality and thanked those responding to the refugee crisis for their efforts. The United States pledged flexible assistance to address the most urgent needs.
Brzezinski urged others with capacity to contribute, acknowledging that this year’s needs are more complex and demanding. Still, the focus remained on preserving the dignity of all Ukrainians who left their homeland and ensuring their independence until safe return becomes possible.
A call to the international community
He pointed out that ongoing humanitarian support would enable more than one million Ukrainians remaining in Poland to access work, medical care, and education. Brzezinski urged the international community to respond with compassion to aggression and destruction, standing together for shared democratic values and proudly supporting both Ukrainian and Polish societies that have opened their arms to those in need.
All are united on the side of freedom, and the stance toward Ukraine remains steadfast, Brzezinski remarked.
The ambassador also expressed gratitude to the Polish people, the government, and various organizations for their help to Ukraine.
READ ALSO: The piece highlights how Poland has supported Ukraine and the ongoing armament discussions and NATO involvement. Cited from wPolityce for context.
Source: wPolityce