Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed his willingness to engage in a friendly dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an effort to resolve the ongoing grain dispute between their countries. This comes after Poland’s decision to halt arms shipments to Kyiv amid the disagreement over grain imports.
Poland, which has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has made a significant reversal in its stance, posing a potential threat to Europe’s strategic relationship with Kyiv as it continues its counteroffensive against Russia. President Duda addressed Zelensky’s recent remarks at the UN General Assembly, where he accused some European countries of using solidarity as a political theater. Although Zelensky did not explicitly mention Poland, Duda acknowledged the implication and stated that the suggestion was clear to all.
When asked if he was upset by Zelensky’s comments, Duda remarked that he was rather embittered. He urged for calm and emphasized the need to prevent the dispute from affecting the overall relations between the two nations. Duda added that there was no justification for escalating the situation, as it would only benefit external parties.
The tension surrounding the ban on Ukrainian grain has been building for months. The restriction was initially imposed by several European Union countries to safeguard the livelihoods of local farmers concerned about the low prices of Ukrainian grain. Last week, the EU announced plans to suspend the rule, but Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have stated their intentions to defy the change and maintain the restrictions.
President Duda acknowledged that the dispute was a legal matter that needed resolution. He recognized Ukraine’s desperate situation and their eagerness to sell their grain anywhere, but emphasized that it was not indifferent to Poland. Duda reiterated Poland’s commitment to helping Ukraine and stated that they were already providing assistance.
Regarding the issue of arms shipments, Duda clarified that the statement made by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, announcing the halt in weapon transfers to Kyiv, had been interpreted in the worst possible way. Duda clarified that Morawiecki was referring to new weapons designated for Polish army modernization and assured that Poland would honor its existing commitments to Ukraine, including the provision of howitzers, ammunition, and mine clearing vehicles. He did not rule out the possibility of resuming arms transfers to Ukraine in the future.
As the grain dispute between Poland and Ukraine continues, President Duda’s willingness to engage in a friendly conversation with President Zelensky offers hope for a peaceful resolution. The dispute highlights the complexity of balancing economic interests with regional relationships, as both countries navigate the challenges posed by the agricultural industry.