Poland’s Duda: situation around Ukraine approaching critical point
This was stated by Polish President Andrzej Duda in a video address after a conference with the leaders of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, as well as EU and NATO leaders, on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"The situation is serious, everyone is well aware that the tension is huge, we are observing the shelling on the line of contact, we’re seeing massive Russian propaganda. The situation is approaching a point that everyone fears and which can be considered critical," Duda said.
He stressed that in this situation, NATO is "absolutely united," and that there are no differences between Allies, while U.S. leadership is undeniable.
Duda noted that dialogue with Russia is ongoing, but the possibilities for continuing it are "being largely exhausted."
The president of Poland stressed that Ukraine acts in a restrained manner and avoids provocations.
"Everyone emphasized that the authorities in Kyiv are acting very responsibly in this extremely difficult situation. The Russians have massed a huge military force near the borders of Ukraine and Belarus, unprecedented since World War 2," Duda said.
He stressed that the West remained united and resolute.
"The answer (to Russia - ed.) must be firm, and it will be. If there is an act of aggression, the response will be very clear and very painful, especially from a socio-economic perspective," said the Polish leader.
Duda noted that the intelligence data about the possible date of the invasion varies.
"We are all aware that the Olympics are still going on, but it will end on Sunday. What happens next? We are all ready,” Duda stressed.
According to him, the main thing now is not to allow oneself to be provoked, to remain calm and, at the same time, to stand together with Ukraine, to support democracy, because it is under threat.
"During the talks, everyone stressed that it is impossible to agree to the altering of the borders established after World War 2. We cannot allow a democracy such as Ukraine to be brutally attacked, and this is the most important conclusion of this conversation,” Duda said.
He added that the aggressor must realize that if further aggression occurs, the response will be painful.
As reported earlier, due to the tense international situation, Duda postponed his visit to Senegal, initially scheduled for February 24-25.
Photo: PAP
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