The war in Ukraine has caused families to flee to Poland, often leaving loved ones behind and arriving with little to no supplies. Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline witnessed the crisis during a recent visit to the Poland-Ukraine border.
"It was really heartbreaking," Cicilline told Jim Braude on Greater Boston, adding that he mostly saw women and children. "They were terrified and they were sometimes carrying a single bag or one roller suitcase of all their belongings."
Cicilline said he heard "horrific" stories of people fleeing amid bombings and described the Russian attacks by President Vladimir Putin as "unspeakable war crimes."
The Rhode Island representative said the United States must do everything in its power to help Ukraine — short of a formal declaration of war.
"It's going to take a lot to deal with both the humanitarian crisis and ultimately, the rebuilding of Ukraine once this war is over. So, I think this is something you have to commit to for the long haul," Cicilline said.
Cicilline said the U.S. should be thinking long term. "We want to do everything we can to stop it, but not make it worse for the Ukrainians and for the world, because the fear is escalation could ultimately lead to the use of tactical nuclear weapons," he added.
Watch: Sights and sounds from the Ukraine-Poland border from Rep. David Cicilline
