Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees and support the sovereignty of Ukraine following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees and support the sovereignty of Ukraine following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin instigated an unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful war by violating the territorial integrity of the sovereign country of Ukraine; Whereas, as of May 3, 2022, more than 5,500,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since the Russian Federation began its invasion; Whereas the Republic of Poland has played a critical role in responding to the influx of Ukrainian refugees into Europe, admitting more than half of the Ukrainians who have fled from the conflict; Whereas the Republic of Poland has accepted more Ukrainian refugees than any other country, admitting more than 3,000,000 Ukrainian refugees as of May 3, 2022; Whereas, prior to the invasion, the Republic of Poland had admitted more than 1,500,000 Ukrainians since 2014, when the Russian Federation illegally annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine and started a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide critical services to Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Poland, including access to the Polish labor market, health care system, education, and social benefits; Whereas the people of the Republic of Poland have joined their government in responding to Ukrainian refugees with generosity, leadership, and resolve, including by welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes; Whereas the leaders of the Republic of Poland supported Ukrainian sovereignty and advocated for the need for a united front against Russian aggression prior to the invasion of Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland has facilitated the shipment of humanitarian assistance into Ukraine by collecting and sending aid into Ukraine and by serving as a transit hub, simplifying border crossing procedures, and waiving road tolls for aid trucks; Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide vital military assistance to Ukraine and serves as a crucial transit hub for sending international military supplies and equipment into Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland is a key partner in deterrence efforts against additional Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, including through their hosting of approximately 10,000 United States troops; Whereas the Republic of Poland has hosted the United States Embassy Kyiv during its temporary relocation, supporting the vital work of the Department of State of assisting United States citizens and their families departing Ukraine; and Whereas Poland is a crucial member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance and a historic friend of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) thanks the Republic of Poland for its pivotal role accepting Ukrainian refugees; and (2) appreciates the ongoing support of the Republic of Poland for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance.

Summary: This resolution expresses that the Senate thanks Poland for its pivotal role in accepting Ukrainian refugees; and appreciates the ongoing support of Poland for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance.