Speaking at a press conference before departing for Jordan, Duda said the move could mark a significant turning point in Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion.
His remarks came after Biden authorised Ukraine to use long-range American weapons inside Russia, according to reports by multiple news outlets.
"Recent days have seen a sharp escalation of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, primarily targeting civilian infrastructure and causing the deaths of ordinary Ukrainian citizens," Duda said.
"In this context, President Biden’s decision to permit Ukraine to strike targets in Russia using US-supplied medium-range missiles is a critical change," he added.
A unified Western front
Duda emphasized the broader implications of the decision, telling reporters that France and Britain have followed suit by allowing Ukraine to deploy their missile systems as well.
"This is a rapidly evolving situation," Duda said on the eve of the 1,000th day of Russia's war against Ukraine.
He added: "I welcome this united stance from President Biden and our allies. It sends a clear signal to Russia that Ukraine is receiving robust and decisive support from the West."
The Polish president also highlighted the necessity of providing Ukraine with advanced defense capabilities to push Russian supply lines further from the front, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
"Especially now, as Russia enlists its allies, including North Korean troops, Ukraine needs the means to defend itself effectively," Duda said.
He described Biden’s decision as "perhaps a breakthrough moment in this war," asserting that it reinforces the West's firm and consistent position against Russian aggression.
"Russia must see that Ukraine has the means and support to resist and that the West’s resolve remains steadfast," Duda remarked.
Strategic timing amid diplomatic movements
The timing of Biden's approval coincides with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in two years.
Duda interpreted the US stance as a clear indication that Washington remains resolute in its support for Ukraine.
"This demonstrates that the United States is not swayed by diplomatic overtures and continues to stand firmly with Ukraine," he said.
Duda concluded by lauding the collaborative approach taken by Western allies, noting that their combined missile contributions significantly bolster Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities in a critical phase of the conflict.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Monday is day 999 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP