Polish border blockade ‘a mockery’ – Zelenskyy
The resumed blockade of the Ukrainian border by Polish farmers has made the situation “unacceptable” and “extraordinary,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his Feb. 19 evening address.
He noted that only 5% of Ukraine's agricultural exports pass through the Polish border. Poland’s farmers are ostensibly concerned that cheap Ukrainian grain exports are distorting Polish agricultural markets.
“The real issue is not the grain, but rather the politics,” said Zelenskyy.
“While near Kupiansk [Kharkiv Oblast], close to the Russian border, where enemy artillery does not cease [firing], the news from the border with Poland seems like a mockery.”
“We need joint solutions, rational solutions, to emerge from this situation. These are decisions for us and the Poles to make, and all of those in Europe who care about the fate of Europe.”
The State Customs Service of Ukraine reported on Feb. 18 that Polish farmers were not allowing humanitarian cargo to pass through the Dorohusk-Yahodyn checkpoint.
On Feb. 19, Ukrainian Transport Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov held urgent talks with the head of Poland's National Security Bureau Jacek Siewiera following reports of Polish farmers blockading the border.
Polish protesters also announced a total blockade of the Ukrainian border, starting from Feb. 20. Traffic will be stopped at all checkpoints, as well as communication nodes and access to freight railway stations will be blocked.
During the protest, some participants began breaking locks on Ukrainian trucks and dumping grain on the ground. Ukraine's Ambassador to Warsaw Vasyl Zvarych called the actions a "disgraceful and offensive crime," stating that Ukrainian diplomats had reached out to Polish police. Authorities have initiated an investigation. Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski apologized for the spilled grain.
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