The latest update on the grain-laden train involved in protests by Polish farmers in Ukraine shows where its cargo was headed. Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s rail operator, confirms the train was en route to Germany.
At the Medika border crossing, demonstrators reportedly opened the hatch on two Ukrainian freight wagons containing grain. Ukrainian cargo was said to be moving through Poland on its way to Germany in transit.
Ukrainian rail authorities emphasize compliance with Poland’s grain import ban, enacted in April 2023, and the policy that restricts all grain trains from entering Polish territory. Wagons are sealed upon entry, preventing Ukrainian grain from entering the Polish market.
There are currently about 40 wagons loaded with agricultural goods from Ukraine stationed at Medika, awaiting the next steps in the transit process.
On February 20, Polish farmers observed two wagons of corn at the border rail line after clashes over Ukrainian supplies to Europe. Protesters shouted their grievances, demanding an end to what they termed illegal shipments from Ukraine.
The protests by Polish farmers continued to disrupt transport routes, with hundreds of tractors blocking the corridor from Ukraine toward Warsaw since late January. Tensions escalated after confrontations with Ukrainian trucks carrying grain, marking a sharp increase in direct actions on the ground.
Earlier in the dispute, the border area saw intensified demonstrations, with several blocks affecting cross-border movement and loading operations. This ongoing situation has drawn attention to the broader debate over regional grain trade within Europe and the responsibilities of neighboring states in managing supply chains during periods of political friction. [Attribution: Ukrzaliznytsia and regional observers]