Washington (April 20, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled to Poland this week to meet with U.S. military leaders and troops stationed on the Ukrainian border, including soldiers from Massachusetts serving with the Army’s 82nd Airborne division in Southeastern Poland. On Tuesday, Senator Markey met with the U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski to discuss U.S.-Polish relations and support for Ukraine, and later joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) for a meeting with Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz to express the strong bipartisan support for Polish security and deep appreciation for Poland’s warm reception of Ukrainian refugees.
The Senator also visited the Krakow Jewish Community Center, where Ukrainian refugees are receiving support and resources, and met Holocaust survivor Zofia Radzikowska. Senator Markey later toured Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen operations at Wilcza Hostel, where they are helping to feed 250 Ukrainian refugees as part of an organization-wide effort to prepare millions of meals for Ukrainian refugees all over central Europe, including in Ukraine.
“This week I saw the faces and heard the stories of Russia’s unprovoked and unjust war against Ukraine, which has caused the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War,” said Senator Markey. “Poland remembers well the devastation wrought by that war and has stepped up to welcome millions of refugees and provide tremendous assistance to the Ukrainian government, and for that we are enormously grateful.”
Senator Markey continued, “I am immensely proud of the American service members stationed in Poland, and throughout the region, supporting NATO security efforts, including the young soldiers from Massachusetts who shared their stories with me. We will continue to work with our allies to ensure we’re responding to the needs of the Ukrainian government and people. As Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine escalates, this trip offered an opportunity to meet with U.S. military leaders and troops, as well as hear directly from the Polish government how the United States can continue to provide assistance to our allies and partners. We must continue to stand in unity and resolve with our allies against Vladimir Putin’s brutality.”
Due to security concerns, further details regarding the Senator’s trip cannot be released at this time. The Senator will hold a media availability in Boston upon his return.
###
