Russian military commits war crimes – sanctions must be real and crushing.

Poland is carrying out an extensive diplomatic campaign. Poland has pressed for tough sanctions from the outset, some of which have already been implemented. However, this is still not enough. Real sanctions against the Kremlin include independence from Russia’s energy policy. The West and the European Union have begun to share Poland’s approach to sanctions against Russia, but we still call for them to be extended.

“Russian troops commit regular war crimes; therefore, we have to cut off the oxygen to this war,” said the Prime Minister after the meeting with the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria. As he added, “The money mainly comes from oligarchs, oil, gas and other goods that Russia exports. Therefore, I call for these sanctions to be real, concrete and effective.”

Polish PM stressed that thanks to the government’s consistent actions regarding the construction of the Baltic Pipe to Norway, Poland will be completely independent of Russian gas in six months. He added, “We want to cooperate with a peaceful democratic Russia, but we cannot agree to such a cruel destruction of the sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Austria’s response to Russian aggression

In public statements after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Austrian government pledged humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including protective equipment for emergency services and fuel. The Chancellor also announced that Austria would do everything possible to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.

“I am glad that we could agree on our positions within the European Union,” said the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria after the meeting with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. At the same time, he thanked Poland for the help provided to Ukraine and its citizens.

Poland is a major humanitarian hub

The scale of migration from Ukraine to Poland is unprecedented. Since the Russian invasion, nearly 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Poland. Poland provides comprehensive humanitarian, logistical, operational and financial assistance to those who have crossed the border due to the war. State and local authorities and thousands of Poles are involved in the massive humanitarian operation to help Ukraine.

A logistics hub for aid heading to Ukraine operates near Lublin. Every day, heavy goods vehicles with supplies from the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS) cross the Polish-Ukrainian border. We help by donating food, dressings and medicines.

Poland has simplified the border crossing procedure for heavy goods vehicles carrying humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The simplified procedure applies to two border crossings: Korczowa and Dorohusk. Furthermore, simplified customs clearance is possible based on a completed and submitted form. Thanks to this solution, Ukraine will sooner receive humanitarian aid from Poland and the whole free world.

Polish aid for citizens of Ukraine

The Council of Ministers on 7 March 2022 adopted a draft law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with armed conflict on the territory of their country. This includes the opportunity to take up employment in our country, receive health care and access education. Thanks to the new legislation, citizens of Ukraine will be able to stay in Poland legally for 18 months. Financial support will also be provided to people who have taken Ukrainian citizens under their roof.