WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.), Rob Portman (Ohio), and Chris Coons (Del.) introduced a resolution recognizing Poland’s efforts in welcoming Ukrainian refugees and supporting the Ukrainian resistance. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over three million Ukrainians have fled across the border into Poland. Poland continues to accept the highest number of refugees compared to surrounding countries since the war started, and provide critical military aid to Ukraine.
“During my recent visit to the Ukrainian border, I saw first-hand the incredible generosity that Poland and its citizens have shown to the millions of Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s brutal war,” said Blunt. “On top of providing humanitarian assistance like food, shelter, and health care to refugees, Poland has played a vital role in the international effort to arm the Ukrainian fighters. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution expressing our immense gratitude to Poland for its commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”
“In the two months since Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, more than five million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country; over three million of those refugees have traveled to Poland. It has been incredible to see the response by Poland, doing everything they can do to help their neighbors escape violence,” said Portman. “I want to thank the Polish people for opening their hearts and homes and continuing to donate their time and resources to help these refugees. Also, to the Polish government for giving $1.6 billion worth of military aid, which has been vital to Ukraine’s efforts to defend its homeland.”
“The people of Poland are demonstrating to the world what it means to care for the stranger, the widow, and the orphan in our midst,” said Coons. “When I was in Poland in February, I witnessed firsthand the strength of our alliance and commitment to standing behind the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. Their generosity, their role in arming the Ukrainian military, and their relentless efforts in support of displaced Ukrainian refugees, accepting over 3 million of those displaced by the conflict and welcoming many into their own homes, is a moving example for the rest of us. I am glad to join with Senator Portman and Senator Blunt on Poland’s Constitution Day in recognition of these efforts.”
Text of the resolution:
Expressing appreciation for the Republic of Poland’s efforts to assist Ukrainian refugees and support Ukraine’s sovereignty following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin instigated an unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful war violating the territorial integrity of the sovereign country of Ukraine;
Whereas, as of April 27, 2022, more than 5,300,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since the Russian Federation began its invasion;
Whereas the Republic of Poland has played a critical role in responding to the influx of Ukrainian refugees into Europe, admitting more than half of the Ukrainians who have fled from the conflict;
Whereas the Republic of Poland has accepted more Ukrainian refugees than any other country, admitting more than 2,900,000 as of April 27, 2022;
Whereas prior to the invasion, the Republic of Poland had admitted more than 1,500,000 Ukrainians since Russia illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region and started a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014;
Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide critical services to Ukrainian refugees in the country, including access to the country’s labor market, health care system, education, and social benefits;
Whereas the people of the Republic of Poland have joined their government in responding to Ukrainian refugees with generosity, leadership, and resolve, including by welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes;
Whereas the Republic of Poland’s leaders supported Ukrainian sovereignty and presented the need for a united front against Russian aggression prior to the invasion of Ukraine;
Whereas the Republic of Poland has facilitated the shipment of humanitarian assistance into Ukraine by collecting and sending aid into Ukraine and by serving as a transit hub, simplifying border crossing procedures, and waiving road tolls for aid trucks;
Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide vital military assistance to Ukraine and serves as a crucial transit hub for sending international military supplies and equipment into Ukraine;
Whereas the Republic of Poland is a key partner in deterrence efforts against additional Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, including through their hosting of approximately 10,000 U.S. troops;
Whereas the Republic of Poland has hosted the United States Embassy Kyiv during its temporary relocation, supporting the Department of State’s vital work of assisting American citizens and their families departing Ukraine;
Whereas Poland is a crucial member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance and a historic friend of the United States;
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) thanks the Republic of Poland for its pivotal role accepting Ukrainian refugees; and
(2) appreciates the Republic of Poland’s ongoing support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including through the NATO alliance.