From the very first day of the war, Poland has stood by Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian, fleeing Russian bombs, have found shelter in our country. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians live and work in Poland, and our society bears enormous costs to provide this support.

At the same time, Poland has for months been facing hybrid warfare conducted by Belarusian and Russian services. Every day our border is attacked, with attempts to forcefully break through the fence and acts of aggression against soldiers. Polish soldier Mateusz Sitek was killed, stabbed to death while on duty. This is an example of the highest sacrifice and courage, Polish soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and thus Ukraine’s security as well.

Any attempt to lecture Poles in such a contemptuous manner is completely out of place. Poland is one of the main pillars of support for Ukraine, both militarily and humanitarianly. Without respect for Poland’s sacrifice and effort, there can be no true solidarity.