Duda made the comment at an event to mark the Day of Poles Abroad, which takes place annually on May 2, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Duda said: “What we’re seeing in Ukraine is a tragic fulfillment of the words said by Lech Kaczyński in 2008.”
During the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, Lech Kaczyński, the Polish president at the time, warned that after attacking Georgia, the Kremlin might set its sights on Ukraine, then the Baltic states, and then maybe Poland.
“We’re seeing a frontal attack on Ukraine to obliterate this country,” Duda said on Monday.
“For there is a nation that thinks that others should be subordinated to them - to which we, the free world, say a firm 'no,'" he added.
‘I deeply believe Ukraine will win’
Addressing Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Duda said: “I deeply believe Ukraine will win this war. I deeply believe that you are going to live in peace and tranquility, who knows, maybe in a homeland that is stronger than ever before.”
During a ceremony at Warsaw's Belweder Palace, the president handed out state decorations to diaspora leaders.
Duda also granted Polish citizenship documents and national flags to Polish activists from eastern Europe to mark the Day of Poles Abroad.
He told them: “I’m handing you these flags so that they give you strength, the strength to win, the power to do every day’s work ..."
May 2 is also Polish Flag Day.
Duda said that Poland and its people were doing everything in their power “to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.”
Addressing “Poles in every corner of the world,” the president said: “For Polish history to be able to continue … we need victory. I am confident that you are doing your part for this victory to happen and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
'Our red-and-white colours fill us with pride'
Earlier on Monday, Poland’s first couple attended a celebration of Polish Flag Day outside Warsaw’s Royal Castle.
“Our red-and-white colours fill us with pride every day - let’s mark this special day by flying red-and-white flags in our homes,” the president said in a social media message to the nation.
Monday was day 68 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Poland on Monday reported it had welcomed nearly 3.1 million refugees fleeing Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, prezydent.pl