Addressing the online meeting, which gathered more than 120 world leaders, Andrzej Duda said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine "has revealed the true face of Putin’s regime: the atrocities and brutality against the Ukrainian civilian population" and "an attempt to erase the whole nation."
Duda told the global summit that "the Ukrainians have bravely resisted the Russian assault" and that Russia's war has led to "economic, energy and food crises ... all over the world."
He declared that he was proud that Poland and other nations have offered strong support to Ukraine "because a free and democratic world is not a theoretical concept but a real community of values."
'Poland’s leading role in response to Russia’s invasion'
Duda also told the summit that "Poland’s leading role in response to Russia’s invasion has been unprecedented."
"We have been at the forefront of calls for sending aid," including military aid, to help Ukraine "fight off the Russian aggressor," he said, adding that Poland has also championed calls "to impose severe sanctions on Russia."
More Ukrainian refugees than in 'any other European country'
"Since the invasion began, Poland has welcomed more Ukrainian refugees than any other European country," Duda told the meeting. "Not in refugee camps, but in our homes."
He stated: "Today, Poland is home to more than 3.5 million Ukrainians."
Poland spent 1.5% of GDP on humanitarian aid for Ukraine in 2022: president
Duda cited data according to which Poland last year spent more than USD 9 billion, or 1.5 percent of its GDP, on humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
"We also act as a logistics hub for aid transfers from other countries," the Polish president said.
He pledged that his country would "continue its support for Ukraine in order to stop Russian neo–imperialism."
"We will also continue our support to democratic Belarus," he promised.
Duda concluded: "Ukraine has never been and will never be alone in its fight. Because Ukrainians are fighting for all of us."
'Unless stopped, Russia is ready to go much further'
He warned that "unless stopped, Russia is ready to go much further."
Wednesday's Summit for Democracy was co-hosted by Biden and the leaders of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, the US Department of State said.
Wednesday was day 399 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, president.pl, state.gov
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.