The Conference organisers also included the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Ministry of Interior and Administration, and Centre for East European Studies of the University of Warsaw. The Permanent Working Review Conference in Support of Ukraine aids the efforts of the international community. Conference participants will report on efforts to date and agree on plans for the near future.

“Today, Ukraine still needs our support. Above all, however, Ukraine needs hope. This hope is born here in Poland; it is born in every Polish home where war refugees have been welcomed; it is born from every diplomatic success, every success that increases support for Ukraine at the international level,” said the Prime Minister.

Efforts to date to help Ukraine

At a panel discussion, Conference participants will discuss support for Ukrainian citizens fleeing war, the efforts to date and the key challenges for assistance in 2023. Assistance projects of non-governmental organisations and the results of research on refugees from Ukraine who have found refuge in the countries of our region will be presented.

“The most important thing at the moment, as far as support for embattled Ukraine is concerned, is help for war refugees. People often had to leave their country in great haste. Poland, and other countries of the free world, have been helping these millions of people from the very beginning,” said Chief of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Marek Kuchciński. “The second topic we would like to propose is that there should be support for the Ukrainian state to maintain its energy system. This can contribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian state and society,” added Kuchciński.

Poland’s energy support for Ukraine

The second panel of the Warsaw Conference will focus on Ukraine’s electricity support. Availability of electricity has been a key stabilising factor in the face of regular Russian attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure since autumn.

The Russian strategy is also to fight the civilian population by depriving people of electricity, heat and water supplies during winter. The international community must take decisive and coordinated action in response to this. Since the beginning of the war, Poland has been in contact with representatives of the Ukrainian energy sector. As a result, Ukraine receives the necessary assistance from us to stabilise its system.

“The heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people has not only saved Ukraine itself but has awakened many countries of the free world from their geopolitical slumber,” stressed Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki. “The war in Ukraine is not proof of Russia’s strength. It is a test of strength for the West. We are facing a clear choice: the victory of Russia and the defeat of the West or the renaissance of Western civilisation. Ukraine would already be pulverised without the support of countries such as Poland,” added the PM.