War in Ukraine: Antony Blinken welcomes Poland's involvement in the crisis
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukrainian refugees in Poland at a center on the border between the two countries.
REUTERS - POOL
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The US Secretary of State continues his tour of Europe.
After Brussels, it was in Poland that he went this Saturday, March 5, before heading in particular to Moldova.
Objective: to show Western unity against Russia.
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With our correspondent in Warsaw
,
Sarah Bakaloglou
"
Cooperation between NATO and Poland is more important than ever
," said Antony Blinken on Saturday after his meeting with Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.
An interview during which the question of strengthening the American military presence on Polish soil, where 10,000 soldiers are already present, was discussed.
Also on the menu of discussions, the reception of Ukrainian refugees.
"
Poland is doing vital work in response to this
crisis
," said Antony Blinken.
Zbigniew Rau stressed that
the Russian invasion of Ukraine was
creating a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable magnitude.
All those fleeing the war, recalled the Minister, without distinction of nationality, will be welcomed in Poland.
More than 780,000 people have reached Poland, fleeing the war in their country.
From the Ukrainian border, Antony Blinken therefore praised the crucial work of Warsaw in welcoming refugees.
Russian coal embargo
A little earlier, it was with Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish Prime Minister, that Antony Blinken spoke.
The opportunity for Warsaw to push once again for tougher sanctions, particularly in the field of energy.
"
Russia largely spends the money received from the sale of its raw materials on its army
," said Mateusz Morawiecki.
Recently, Poland said it was ready to implement an embargo on Russian coal.
"Only the decisive and strong blows resulting from the sanctions will be felt by Russia
", added the head of government.
After Antony Blinken, US Vice President Kamala Harris will also visit Poland next week.
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To read:
NATO: Poland ready to pay to ensure American protection
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