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Polish president urges world to support Ukraine

21.02.2023 18:30
Poland’s president on Tuesday called on the world to provide military support to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion, as the first anniversary of the war neared.  
Polish President Andrzej Duda delivers a speech outside the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Tuesday, ahead of an address to the Polish people by US President Joe Biden.
Polish President Andrzej Duda delivers a speech outside the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Tuesday, ahead of an address to the Polish people by US President Joe Biden.KPRP/Jakub Szymczuk

Andrzej Duda made the appeal during a speech in the gardens of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, ahead of a major address by US President Joe Biden, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

'There is no freedom without solidarity'

The Polish president, who was accompanied by First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, told the crowd in Warsaw: “We stand with Ukraine and will continue to do so. There is no freedom without solidarity.”

Duda, who held talks with Biden in Warsaw earlier in the day, stated: “Long live free Ukraine. Long live Poland’s alliance with the United States. Long live NATO. Long live the free world.”

‘Send weapons to Ukraine’

The Polish head of state called on the leaders of all European countries and NATO member states to “stand with Ukraine,” to keep supporting Kyiv and send military aid “so that the defenders of Ukraine have the weapons to fight” against the Russian invasion. 

He urged: “Don’t hesitate, don’t be afraid. There is no place for 'business as usual' with Russia anymore. An honest person doesn’t do business in places where there is bloodshed. It has to be stopped at all costs.” 

‘Ukraine must win’

Duda said: “Today we are all saying that Ukraine must win. That’s why we support Ukraine. I thank the United States and all the NATO countries that are sending aid to Ukraine, not just humanitarian aid, but military aid. It’s extremely important.”

The Polish president stressed: “I believe that this brutal Russian confidence will be punished and crushed in Ukraine.”  

Duda also thanked the United States and fellow allies for “strengthening the security of the eastern flank of NATO so that “nobody even thinks about attacking our land.”

'Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia': Biden

Speaking after the Polish president, Biden vowed that America and its allies "will not tire" of supporting Ukraine and that "Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia."

Tuesday is day 363 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP, prezydent.pl