Duda: Ukraine's defence against Russia in Poland's best interests

Polish President Andrzej Duda has said that helping Ukraine defend itself from Russia is in the interests of the Poles themselves.

He made the statement on May 1 in an interview with TVP Info.

"It is in the interests of the Republic of Poland for Ukraine to defend itself from Russian aggression. It is in the interests of Poles that Ukrainians, defending their homeland, repulse aggressor Russia. It is in the interests of the Poles that Russia does not win this war. That is why we are helping Ukraine today. Hence these decisions, often difficult ones, on the provision of military assistance," the Polish president said.

Duda stressed that "Poles even spent billions of zlotys out of their own pocket (...) to help their Ukrainian neighbours by hosting them at home, feeding them, giving them clothes, often shopping for them, supporting them, giving them a lift in their cars".

He noted that thanks to such multifaceted assistance to Ukrainian refugees, Poland has received the admiration of the whole world.

"Thanks to this extraordinary gesture, we, as Poland, have gained great authority in the international arena," he said.

He stressed that "every such action strengthens the security of the Republic of Poland".