Poland: Demonstrations and political vows mark two years of Russian invasion

On this anniversary, speeches were delivered by the president, prime minister, and chiefs of the Ministry of National Defense (MON) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ). In a recorded message posted on platform X, President Andrzej Duda remarked that the "severe Russian aggression against an independent Ukraine caused death, pain, and suffering". "From the onset, we, Poles, have actively supported Ukraine, which has been valiantly combating the Russian invader," he stressed. Conversely, Prime Minister Donald Tusk penned on X, "Two years of Ukrainian bravery. Two years of Russian savagery. Two years of embarrassment for those who choose to remain indifferent".

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of MON, highlighted, "For two years, Ukraine has dearly fought to uphold its sovereignty, the West displayed unity, and Poles have shown themselves to be a nation of great hearts and solidarity". "These are times that teach us that we must ensure freedom and security each day," he added.

Head of MSZ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Radosław Sikorski emphasized that our neighbours aren’t battling alone. European countries, NATO, and Poland fully support Ukraine - the minister confidently stated in a Facebook recording. President Volodymyr Zelensky declares that the white flag will never fly over Ukraine, instead forever the yellow-blue flag. We believe that Russia will lose, Ukraine will emerge triumphant and become part of a united Europe - he underlined.

Ukrainian minority groups operating in Podlasie have called for further support - military, economic, social, and political - for Ukraine, standing steadfastly for the freedom of the democratic world. These groups include the Union of Ukrainians of Podlasie, Podlaski Institute of Science, Ukrainian Magazine of Podlasie "Nad Buhom and Narwoju", Association of Heritage of Podlasie, and the Friends of the Skansen Museum in Koźliki.

"Ukrainian society has demonstrated a tremendous resolve in defending their state, their freedom, and their independence to the whole world. Ukraine makes significant sacrifices on a daily basis, paying a hefty price for its right to existence", was the common sentiment expressed. Over the past two years, the world's democracies have provided unprecedented support to Ukraine in its struggle. The representatives of the Ukrainian minority also underscored the highly crucial assistance Poland, their homeland, provided across various levels.

Several cities in Poland organized protest marches and rallies in connection with the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. A march titled "Together to victory" took place on the streets of Krakow, orchestrated by Ukrainian circles. "Ukraine is seeking solidarity and support", said the Consul General of Ukraine in Krakow, Viacheslav Wojnarowski, during the demonstration.

In Warsaw, an afternoon demonstration commenced at the Russian Federation embassy on the anniversary of the attack on Ukraine. An art installation depicting bombed flat buildings was erected in front of the embassy entryway. Among them were crosses bearing the names of those casualties of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The demonstrators then marched from the embassy to the Sejm.

In Torun's Old Town, a march labelled "Unity Marathon" was held, with participants carrying a several-metre long "flag of life". "Our lives will forever be split into the time before the war outbreak and the time afterwards. We have gathered here today to observe this challenging day together, to soothe the pain with a collective march, a song, and words that reverberate in every heart," said one of the event's presenters, Anastasiia Tereshchenko.

In Lublin, the anniversary celebrations began with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking Lublin's recognition as the "Rescuer City". "Lublin is a city where Ukrainians can sense at home," assured the city's mayor, Krzysztof Żuk.

On 24th February 2022, Russian troops commenced attacks on Ukraine from several directions - starting from the Donbas, Crimea, and the Black Sea, and also moving northward towards the capital, Kiev, and Kharkov. A few weeks later, Ukrainian forces managed to drive the Russians out of Kiev, and, in the months that followed, Ukraine also reclaimed territories located east of Kharkov and south of Kherson. Currently, Crimea, a large portion of the Donbas, and a significant part of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions of Ukraine remain under Russian control, with combat continuing along a front more than 1000 kilometres (621 miles rounded) long.