Ukraine has never stood alone and will not be left alone, because the Ukrainian people are fighting for all of us and for our shared values. If Russia is not stopped, its aggression could reach further, according to President Andrzej Duda, speaking during a remote address to the Second Summit for Democracy hosted by President Joe Biden.
During the first Democracy Summit in December 2021, Duda discussed the situation in Belarus under Alyaksandr Lukashenko and the pressure facing the democratic opposition. He recalled that months later a hybrid operation emerged, including a migrant crisis at Poland’s eastern border orchestrated by Minsk but controlled by Moscow, describing it as a prelude to a broader assault on Ukraine.
The Polish leader emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine exposed the true face of Vladimir Putin’s regime, marked by barbarism and attacks on civilians. He noted that the aim was to destroy Ukraine, and he pointed to the resulting global food and economic crises that followed.
According to Duda, Ukrainians have shown remarkable resilience in the face of the Russian assault. He expressed pride in Poland and other nations for offering substantial support to Ukraine, underscoring that a free, democratic world is a concrete community of shared values rather than a mere idea.
The president highlighted Poland’s leading role in responding to the Russian invasion as being unprecedented. He stated that Poland was on the front lines in delivering aid, including military assistance to Ukraine, and in pushing for significant sanctions against Russia. He also noted that Poland has admitted more Ukrainian refugees than any other European country since the invasion began, welcoming them into Polish homes rather than placing them in camps.
Today, Poland is home to more than 3.5 million Ukrainians. OSCE data indicate that Poland spent over 9 billion dollars last year on humanitarian aid to Ukraine, equating to about 1.5 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. This support underscores a long-standing commitment to humanitarian relief and to sustaining Ukraine in the face of aggression. In the Polish view, such aid has been a practical extension of shared European values and security interests.
Support for Ukraine and Belarus
Duda underscored Poland’s role as a logistical hub for the transfer of aid to and from other countries, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need efficiently. He affirmed that Poland would continue backing Ukraine in efforts to halt aggressive expansion and would also sustain support for democratic Belarus as part of a broader regional commitment to democracy and stability.
Ukraine has not been left alone in this struggle, and it will not be left alone, according to Duda, who reiterated that the Ukrainian people are defending principles that affect us all. If Russia remains unchecked, its actions could extend even further, threatening the shared security and prosperity of the region.
In related coverage, it was noted that leadership figures present on the podium discussed the evolving dynamics of regional trust and the gathering momentum of solidarity among allied nations. The commentary also highlighted Poland’s sustained leadership role in both aid delivery and sanctions strategy in response to the ongoing crisis.
Overall, the message from Warsaw emphasizes unity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to democracy in Europe, with concrete actions on the ground in humanitarian relief, border management, and international pressure on aggressors. This stance reflects a long-term strategy to deter further aggression and to support Ukraine and democratic partners in the region, reinforcing a shared responsibility among allied nations. (Source attribution: wPolityce)