Ukrainian & Polish American Communities Stand with Ukraine
Under a banner that reads “Support Ukraine Now,” the leading representative organizations of the Ukrainian and Polish American communities have called on the White House to support Ukraine in its existential war with russia and simultaneously uphold democracy and sovereignty in Europe.
It has been my contention that the former captive nations of russian imperialism constitute the best defense against moscow’s aggression. They, more than other nations, have nationally and personally experienced russisa’s whip, barbed wire, execution squads and russification. And they fear most of all a return to captivity. In that lies the significance of their united appeal.
There have been positive expressions of support for the renewal of such multinational organizations like the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations that can champion preservation of the independence and sovereignty of countries that by 1991 have fully shed themselves of russia’s shackles. The Lublin Triangle of Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania is one such military-economic alliance that must be formalized and expanded.
Here, in the United States, American voters whose ancestors across Eastern Europe fought against Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany have oftentimes demonstrated their civic cooperation to highlight the evil of moscow’s past and present oppression of their peoples. Aligning themselves with local and national elected officials, they have raised awareness about why their nations must be helped today and tomorrow. Obviously, this is not only for their benefit but also for America. It is no longer an expression of extremism, but a serious expectation that if Ukraine is defeated by russia today, Europe and the United States – all Americans as Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) recently said – will suffer.
Sadly, Capitol Hill is dangerously divided along partisan lines in supporting Ukraine or not. Republicans, descendants of the GOP that in a previous generation lead the charge in defense of the captive nations, do not want to provide Ukraine with the funds and weapons it needs to defeat and expel russia from Ukraine. Lawmakers that echo this dangerous sentiment should understand that their descendants are American citizens and voters – their electorate that know well the power of the ballot. Who lost Ukraine will be repeated during every campaign.
The Ukraine Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Polish American Congress (PAC) have demonstrated their common alignment for Ukraine and the other former captive nations, and have called on the American government to stand with Ukraine. The following is the full text of their statement issued last month and signed by Andrew J. Futey, UCCA president, and Frank J. Spula, PAC president:
After nearly two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukraine Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Polish American Congress (PAC), representing the Ukrainian and Polish communities respectively, appeal to the US Congress to take immediate action on the supplemental funding bill for Ukraine. Our respective communities call upon the Biden Administration and both parties in Congress to take proactive, measurable actions to deter the Kremlin from further genocidal actions against Ukraine and hybrid warfare against other countries in the Central and East European region. Russia’s egregious invasion of Ukraine not only violates human rights and the American-led, rules-based order but also directly threatens America’s national security interests.
This war has reached a pivotal moment, and Russia is gaining support from some of the most corrupt and authoritative countries globally. As a result, Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself is being depleted, as evidenced by extensive missile barrages launched at the onset of the 2024 New Year. This deliberate strategy aims to exhaust Ukraine’s supply of defensive weaponry, with a disregard for civilian lives during the harsh winter months. Failure to promptly pass the supplemental funding will leave Ukraine less equipped to defend itself, directly impacting American interests.
Securing the $61.4 billion National Security Supplemental Funding Package for Ukraine extends beyond Ukraine’s territorial boundaries. Poland understands the risks Russia poses and has been at the forefront in Europe. Poland is an indispensable ally in countering Russian aggression, allocating 3.9% of its GDP to defense spending—twice the NATO target of 2%.
Crucially, the Polish American community recognizes the gravity of Russian aggression. Putin’s veiled threats against Poland’s sovereignty, referring to Poland as “a gift of Stalin,” underline the need for unity. The Polish and Ukrainian communities rightfully understand the need to counter the menace of an aggressive Russia and endorse American efforts to assist Ukraine in its existential struggle.
As the leader of the Free World, in collaboration with our Polish, Ukrainian, and other European partners, the United States cannot leave its allies alone at this critical juncture. We must collectively support Ukraine and uphold the values of democracy and sovereignty in Europe.
The PAC and the UCCA continue to advocate for a greater relationship between the United States and Central and East European countries.