Situation beyond the eastern border

According to the Polish Prime Minister and the President of Lithuania, the introduction of severe sanctions is one of the key measures to put pressure on Russia. During a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki argued that the removal of Russian companies from the MSCI index and complete cut-off of access to the SWIFT banking system and financial systems would be the only noticeable sign of protest against further attacks on Ukraine. Extensive measures should also include the discontinuation of the use of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines and the closure of European airspace to Russian aeroplanes. The head of government issued an appeal for Germany to provide real support in terms of weapons.

In response to the growing need to help the victims of the conflict in Ukraine, the Polish government have decided to prepare a programme to distribute necessary resources to help those in need. These actions include the establishment of a special hub of material resources and a hospital train to transport the wounded and to provide humanitarian aid. Thanks to the activities coordinated by the Governmental Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS), interested entities, NGOs and individuals will be able to provide assistance to those who need it most.

– Since the beginning of hostilities, 115 thousand people have crossed the border from Ukraine to Poland, said Deputy Minister Paweł Szefernaker. Today (26 February), the Deputy Minister was at border crossings with Ukraine: in Medyka (the Podkarpackie Voivodship) and Dorohusk (the Lubelskie Voivodship) together with Maj Gen Tomasz Praga, Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard and Maj Gen Insp. Jarosław Szymczyk, Commander-in-Chief of the Police. The situation at the reception points was also reported by Ewa Leniart, Podkarpackie Voivode, and Lech Sprawka, Lubelskie Voivode.

On 25 February 2022, Minister Zbigniew Rau attended an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The Council focused on the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine – an adoption of severe restrictive measures against Russia and enhanced support for Ukraine.

In connection with Russia's armed attack on Ukraine, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki addressed the 49th session of the Sejm. The head of government presented the current situation and further planned measures. Among the most important were strong sanctions, the need to militarily strengthen the eastern part of NATO and the EU and not to succumb to Russian disinformation and propaganda. Ukraine's struggle is also a struggle for the freedom of the whole of Europe. The Prime Minister stressed Poland's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the victims of the conflict.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the unprecedented armed attack on Ukraine. The Russian Federation has deliberately decided to destroy the foundations of the existing security architecture and to attempt to change borders by force, which cannot be accepted in the 21st century.

– Anyone fleeing from bombs, from Russian rifles, can count on the support of the Polish state - said Minister Mariusz Kamiński. At a press conference on 24 February, the head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration presented plans to accept refugees from Ukraine. As he informed, reception points are being launched in the Podkarpackie and Lubelskie Voivodships. Information in this regard was also provided by Deputy Minister Paweł Szefernaker, Deputy Minister Błażej Poboży and Major General Tomasz Praga, Commander in Chief of the Border Guard.