A visit to Rzeszów, Ukraine, in memory of the Dukes of Wales, the President of the British Parliament, and the Defense Minister of Poland
Biden said that Putin thought that Ukraine was weak and that the West was divided. “As you know, Mr. President, I said at the beginning, he’s counting on us not sticking together.”
Putin said the war in Ukraine was an existential struggle against the West, and claimed that sanctions had no effect on the country’s economy. He also said he was suspending Russia’s participation in the New START arms control treaty.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, told reporters that what is at stake is not just the survival of the nation of Ukraine. The war is likely to have repercussions for the rules-based international order, fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the fundamental values of independence, democracy, freedom, Sullivan said.
The visit to Ukraine and Poland comes at a critical time as the war enters a new and disconcerting phase. Russia has launched its latest spring offensive. Ukraine is expected to soon mount its own counteroffensive — with the assistance of U.S. and western weapons. The end of the war isn’t likely to happen.
Poland is a close NATO ally and has provided $3.8 billion in military and humanitarian assistance. Kirby said Biden would thank Poland for hosting US forces.
William will meet with the leader of Poland at the Presidential Palace, and he will reiterate the profound relationship shared between the two nations.
The Prince of Wales met the Defense Minister of Poland at the base, and was shown a display of military equipment.
The 40 year-old royal met with the members of the British armed forces to find out more about how they collaborated with their Polish counterparts in support of Ukraine.
Our nations have strong ties. Through our cooperation in support of the people of Ukraine and their freedom, which are also our freedoms and yours, these ties are further strengthened,” the heir to the British throne said.
I am here because I want to personally thank the British and Polish troops for their hard work. I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. He said that you have opened your hearts as much as your homes.
“That’s why this afternoon I visited Rzeszów to hear their stories and recognize their duty. I was struck by their passion as well as their shared determination to defend our shared freedoms,” William added.
The facility is described as being at the “front of the humanitarian crisis,” providing lodgings for around 300 women and children who have recently arrived in the country and are not yet integrated into local communities.
The City of Warsaw opened a shelter shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in a former office building.
More than 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries since the start of the war. At least 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees remain in Poland, according to government estimates.
Ukrainian refugees are provided with two meals a day, with a wide range of resources available, such as Polish language classes, employment and psychological support.
The royal met with some displaced Ukrainians living at the center and learned how they moved to Poland.
He met with volunteers who are helping people who have been displaced by the conflict to find out how they are handling donations.
The King’s Conversations with Ukrainians and the Status of Ukraine: Prince Charles III vowed to stay with us in December, but did not attend the London Marathon
Unlike his mother, who avoided direct remarks on political matters throughout her reign, King Charles III has been much more plainspoken on the subject of Ukraine.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace in February, Charles had once again reiterated his support for him. Along with the Queen Consort, he has also incorporated engagements with the Ukrainian community in the UK into his diary, as have William and Kate.