Polish American Congress (PAC) Policy Position Statement on the Security of Poland and the War in Ukraine

We stand united with the people of Ukraine in their pursuit of sovereignty, and we urge the United States, in partnership with NATO allies, to take decisive steps to safeguard Poland’s security and ensure a just and successful outcome for Ukraine.

1. Security and Safety of Poland
   • We recognize that Poland’s strategic position on NATO’s eastern flank places it at the front line of threats stemming from Russian military aggression.
   • We call on all NATO members to continue robust defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises with Poland. These measures serve as a deterrent to aggression and provide reassurance of Poland’s security.
   • We urge the United States and its NATO partners to maintain and enhance defense capabilities—conventional and otherwise—in the region to uphold collective security.
   • As a strategic partner, Poland expects fair pricing, priority lead time for military equipment purchased from US defense contractors, and a review of the recently enacted guidelines relative to the acquisition of artificial intelligence chips. The January 15th, 2025, decision, underwritten by Biden administration, to limit Poland’s ability to acquire these sophisticated components needed to support the most advanced weapon systems will harm the long-term ability of the Polish army to engage hostile forces in the event of a conflict effectively. This unfair decision effectively divides NATO into two discrete categories, with Poland being a Tier 2 (limited acquisition options) partner.
2. U.S. Commitment to NATO
   • The PAC reaffirms NATO's indispensable value to the transatlantic community's security. The U.S. commitment to NATO’s collective defense principle under Article 5 remains central to deterring threats on Europe’s eastern borders.
   • We call on the U.S. government to reinforce its leadership role within the Alliance and ensure unity of purpose among member states in their response to Russia’s aggression. This includes increasing defense spending, maintaining readiness, and supporting the continued modernization of NATO forces.
3. Permanent U.S. Base in Poland
   • The PAC supports establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Poland as a strategic measure to underscore U.S. and NATO resolve, deter aggressive actions, and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
   • A permanent base would not only foster continued joint training and interoperability between U.S. and Polish forces but also send a clear signal of America’s unwavering commitment to European security.
   • We urge the U.S. Congress and Administration to prioritize and approve necessary funding and resources for this initiative in coordination with the Polish government.
4. Successful Outcome of the War for Ukraine
   • A free, sovereign, and territorially integral Ukraine is vital to the stability and security of the entire region, including Poland.
   • The PAC supports continued U.S. and allied assistance to Ukraine—economic, humanitarian, and military—to ensure it can defend its citizens and its democratic institutions from ongoing aggression.
   • We call for robust international diplomacy to secure a just and sustainable peace. Any negotiated settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, affirm its territorial integrity, and ensure the country’s right to determine its future.
5. Clarification of Issues
   • The PAC wants to be clear about the following issues:
   • Ukraine did not start the war. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
   • Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine.
   • Ukraine is fighting for the international values of freedom and democracy.
   • Volodymyr Zelensky is the legitimate President of Ukraine

Conclusion

The Polish American Congress stands resolute in advocating policies reinforcing Poland’s security and supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. We believe an unwavering U.S. commitment to NATO and a permanent U.S. military presence in Poland are essential pillars of deterrence and stability. A comprehensive and enduring victory for Ukraine—ensuring its sovereignty and fostering lasting security in the region—serves the interests of Poland, the United States, and the entire democratic world.

The PAC will continue to engage with U.S. policymakers, NATO allies, and the international community to champion these objectives and uphold our shared values of democracy, freedom, and peace.

The Polish American Congress (PAC) is an umbrella organization representing the Polish American community in the United States. Our community is over 10 million strong, and we have a proud 80-year history of supporting a free, independent, and sovereign Poland.