Agata Kornhauser-Duda spoke with diaspora groups at the Polish Consulate General in Chicago on Wednesday, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
‘Thank you ... for your open hearts’
The first lady thanked Poles in America for helping people affected by Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine, reporters were told.
She said that Polish people around the world “have shown that their hearts are open to their Ukrainian brothers and sisters suffering as a result of the war.”
Kornhauser-Duda stressed that Ukrainians “are fighting in defence of their freedom and independence, by standing up to Russian aggression," according to the Polish president's office.
“Thank you so much for all your efforts, for your open hearts,” she told Polish Americans.
‘Ukraine needs coordinated, long-term assistance’
The Polish first lady cautioned that “assistance to Ukraine must be coordinated and have a long-term focus,” according to officials.
She added that "after the war ends, Ukraine will have to be rebuilt and many Ukrainians wouldn’t be able to return to their homes."
During Wednesday’s meeting, Korhnauser-Duda also decorated Polish American activists for their civic contribution, officials said.
Earlier in the day, she held talks with the head of the Polish American Congress and Polish National Alliance, Frank Spula, the IAR news agency reported.
Wednesday was day 77 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Poland on Wednesday reported it had welcomed nearly 3.3 million refugees fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, prezydent.pl, polskatimes.pl