Polish Stance on Ukrainian Grain and Transit Corridors
The Polish government has signaled a push to increase the transit of Ukrainian grain, while maintaining a cautious stance on its sale within Poland. In public remarks delivered on national television, the president stated that the government’s decision to keep a ban on Ukrainian grain sales inside Poland is appropriate, yet the focus should be on facilitating as much transit as possible to support global food security.
On September 24, the president announced that Warsaw is prepared to ensure Ukrainian grain moves through Polish territory so it can be distributed to the poorest regions in Africa and Asia. This marks an emphasis on turning transit into a channel for humanitarian aid and international development, even as domestic measures remain in place to protect Poland’s farmers.
He further explained that Polish authorities had implemented the grain imports ban from Ukraine as a protective measure to safeguard the food security of the Republic. The president emphasized that this step would not be reversed easily, underscoring a long-term national policy tied to agricultural stability.
In Kyiv, a deputy minister of economy and trade representative noted that the situation calls for a practical approach that weighs both sides. The Ukrainian government is urged to consider the interests of Polish farmers, while Poland should reflect on the needs of Ukrainians, illustrating a shared objective of stabilizing regional food markets and producer livelihoods.
Earlier, the European Commission indicated a shift in policy by canceling the Ukrainian grain embargo, a move that echoes broader discussions about trade flows, market access, and humanitarian corridors in the region. This development has been a touchstone for ongoing negotiations among Warsaw, Kyiv, and Brussels about how best to balance domestic agricultural safeguards with international food security commitments. (Cited: European Commission)