Poland ‘a beacon of democracy for Ukraine’

President Barack Obama held up 25 years of Polish democracy as a beacon for neighbouring Ukraine in a public celebration, warning Russia that the free world is united against its "dark tactics" to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“We stand together because we believe that people and nations have the right to determine their own destiny — and that includes the people of Ukraine,” Obama said before a crowd of more than 6,000 that spilled into the streets before Royal Castle, a symbol of Polish independence.

“Our free nations will stand united so that further Russian provocations will only mean more isolation and costs for Russia,” Obama said. “Because after investing so much blood and treasure to bring Europe together, how can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define this new century?”