VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS VISTS WARSAW POLAND
(The Slice): Taking a moral stance, Vice Pres. Kamala Harris traveled to Poland to meet with President Andrzej Duda to reinforce U.S solidarity with NATO in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukraine. She assured the country that the U.S. is a unified partner in providing humanitarian assistance and security.
She announced the U.S. is giving another $50 million to Poland for humanitarian aide through the United Nations. She said in a joint presser with Duda that if Russia tries to attack its neighbors, the U.S. will be ready.
Duda, speaking through and interpreter thanked the veep for all of the assistance including medical aid. He mentioned that the recent bombing of hospitals was a sign of genocide, accusing Russia's Vladmir Putin of intending to destroy a nation. Mercilessly targeting a maternity hospital has been deemed a war crime on Russia's part.
The Vice President came close to calling the bombings a war crime, but condemned the virulent act, bringing out the urgent need of intervention from the Hague in front of a world audience.
“Absolutely there should be an investigation, and we should all be watching,” said Harris, noting that the United Nations has already started a process to review allegations. “I have no question the eyes of the world are on this war and what Russia has done in terms of this aggression and these atrocities.”
For those seeking refuge from the torrent of danger, Poland has become safe haven.
Duda said, "I was proud to tell Madam Vice President that all those people have not been They have been received by ordinary Polish people. This is a reason to be proud for the Polish authorities."
He explained they need the support because the crisis is growing especially related to security.
The Vice President answered this concern, replying: "Let me stress very forcefully: There is no doubt whatsoever that together with the United States and our other Allies within the framework of the North Atlantic Alliance, and along with the entire free and honest world, we stand with Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine, and we will try to do our best to make sure that Ukraine can be defended."
The U.S. commitment to Article 5 is "ironclad" and believe that an attack to any one member of NATO is an attack on all members. She also announced the U.S. has delivered patriot missile defense systems to Poland.
The VPOTUS later visited displaced Ukrainian refugees at the American School in Warsaw.
"The latest numbers I’ve received tell me that there are 1.5 million people, at least, that have fled Ukraine just in the last couple of weeks.," she told them. Poland has received the largest amount of displaced
The discussion was intended for her to find out their needs to determine how the U.S. can offer further support. In her conversation with Duda she told them they addressed the “commitment the United States has partnering with Poland and our other allies to support the individuals and families that have had to flee Ukraine.”
The second-in-command of the U.S. exuded genuine care and concern for the group
“You’ve been through so much. And the people at this table represent well over a million people,” she said.
“You are not alone,” Ms. Harris continued. “You are not alone. People around the world are watching. People around the world and expressing their support and asking how they can help.”
The trip to Poland is Harris' second visit to Europe in a month. Her next stop on Friday is Romania.
ASIDE: Amid the serious tone of the press conference there was an awkward moment. Harris was criticized for appearing to laugh when asked by an NPR journalist about the US taking refugees. Poland President Duda was asked if he had requested . An NPR journalist
Harris said the U.S. is offering Temporary Protected Status is being to Ukrainians who are already in the U.S., which will extend their VISAs, but said a large part of the fleeing population "desires to stay in Europe."
The U.S. previously offered to allow 120 thousand refugees into the country, but most have preferred to stay in parts of Europe Press Sec. Jen Psaki said.