Statement on Russian aggression against Ukraine and starting a new war

Coalition of Polish Americans reacts with indignation and disbelief, and proclaims our stark opposition against Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

In this historic moment, we are expressing our solidarity and support for the attacked Ukrainian people.  We join with all people of good will who, like us, express their resentment and protest at the start of a new war in Europe by Russia.  The ambiguous attitude of the governments of the European Union countries, especially Germany, also causes our great concern, as they seem to underestimate the seriousness of the current situation.

We call upon our compatriots at home and abroad to morally and materially support independent Ukraine and to show all possible help to the Ukrainian people.  War zone refugees, arriving on the territory of Poland, will need special support.  Let us remember that the citizens of today’s Ukraine are descendants of the inhabitants of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – a multinational state where Poles lived together with Ruthenians and Lithuanians.  Therefore, we are connected not only by a common border, but also by centuries of common history, with its mostly glorious, yet sometimes difficult periods.

We call upon the U.S. President and Administration to impose the farthest-reaching economic sanctions and to isolate Russia economically and morally in the international arena.  Statements and attitudes demonstrated by the American politicians regarding this new situation, will be closely watched by the entire Polish-American community.  We expect an unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s aggressive policy by Vladimir Putin, and full support for Ukraine and its independence.  In connection with the immediate threat of expansion of the military conflict, we also expect decisive actions to strengthen the military capabilities of Poland and other countries of NATO’s eastern flank.

The Board of the Coalition of Polish Americans