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Polish leaders discuss unity, support for Ukraine in Washington talks: media

13.03.2024 11:30
Poland's President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk have met with US President Joe Biden in Washington, emphasizing a united stance in supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia's war of aggression, news outlets have reported.
Polish President Andrzej Duda, US President Joe Biden and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meet at the White House on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Polish President Andrzej Duda, US President Joe Biden and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meet at the White House on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.Photo: Jakub Szymczuk/KPRP

In a statement to the press after the meeting, the Polish president reflected on the 25th anniversary of Poland's admission to NATO, saying he had discussed security concerns, the war in Ukraine and defense spending with Biden at the White House.

He praised the constructive dialogue, including discussions on Apache helicopters for Poland and a USD 2 billion loan offer from the United States for military modernization, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Duda also mentioned his upcoming visit to the US state of Georgia to inspect America's most modern nuclear power plant.

The talks underscored the solidarity between the United States and Poland, and a common commitment with their allies to supporting Ukraine and ensuring regional security, Duda told reporters.

The Polish prime minister, meanwhile, highlighted the critical nature of further support from the United States, the European Union and NATO for Ukraine, underscoring the impact of these decisions on thousands of lives in Ukraine, and broader regional security.

Tusk told reporters after the talks that the main goal of his visit to the White House "was to obtain a clear confirmation that America will never hesitate to come to Poland's aid if Poland is ever attacked and that Article 5 of the Washington Treaty is indisputable and that the Americans feel absolutely obligated to act immediately if we need such help."

Tusk added: "I hope that there will never be a need for it."

He specifically addressed the ongoing stalemate within the US House of Representatives, with Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to allow continuation of the decision-making process regarding aid to Ukraine

Tusk referred to legislation proposing USD 60 billion in aid for Ukraine, which has not been put to the vote, as Johnson is stalling the process with pressure from the right wing of the Republican party.

"I hope that the voice from Poland, from Europe, will influence a change in the attitude of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson," said Tusk.

He added that Johnson must realize that "the fate of millions of people depends on his de facto individual decision."

Tusk told reporters: "This is not just some political skirmish that matters only on the American political scene. The lack of a positive decision from Johnson will cost the lives of thousands of people in Ukraine - children, women, entire families. He takes personal responsibility for that."

Despite challenges within the US House of Representatives, Tusk conveyed a strong message of continued and unwavering Western support for Ukraine, stressing the importance of this stance to Moscow, the PAP news agency reported.

Biden reassured the Polish leaders on Tuesday that American support for their country was "ironclad" amid growing concerns in Europe over Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

(rt/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP