Sharp words in the grain dispute
Morawiecki emphasizes red line for Zelenskyj
September 22, 2023, 9:49 p.m
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Poland and Ukraine are vehemently arguing over grain imports and, in recent days, particularly over the sharp tone of Zelensky’s recent criticism of his neighbors. Recently, after the intervention of Polish President Duda, at least some calm seemed to have returned. But it seems to be wobbling again.
Poland has reacted sharply to recent statements by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused his neighbor of “political theater” in connection with the ban on grain exports. “I would like to tell President Zelensky never to insult Poles again, as he recently did in his speech to the United Nations,” the PAP news agency quoted Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki as saying.
Polish President Andrzej Duda had previously tried to de-escalate. He explained that the dispute between Poland and Ukraine over grain imports would not significantly impact good bilateral relations. Poland decided last week to extend the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain. This has put a strain on relations between the neighbors.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Poland has been considered one of Ukraine’s most loyal allies. Zelensky caused anger when he told the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week that his government was trying to maintain overland routes for exports, but that the “political theater” around it only helped Moscow.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau wrote in an article for the magazine “Politico“Poland wants a strong Ukrainian state with a dynamic economy to emerge from the war. Warsaw will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO and the EU. Both serve Poland’s interests: Ukraine in the fight against Russia to support the invasion and protect Polish citizens from unfair economic competition.
Poland, like Slovakia and Hungary, imposed national restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports after the EU Commission did not extend a corresponding ban. They argued that cheap Ukrainian agricultural products, destined mainly for transit to the West and ports, are sold locally, harming their own farmers. Slovakia settled the dispute on Thursday and agreed on a licensing system with Ukraine.
To the annoyance of Ukraine, Poland only allowed grain to pass through in transit, but not to the domestic market. Especially during election campaigns, the leadership in Warsaw defends the interests of Polish farmers. The tone between the close allies has therefore become rougher in recent days.