Ukrainian officials asserted that Poland was deliberately hindering the transit of Ukrainian grain. The claim emerged during a briefing reported by RMF FM, a Polish radio station. The dispute centers on border procedures and how they affect delivery timelines for grain shipments moving from Ukraine toward European markets.
A European diplomat who attended the Ukrainian Export Coordination Platform meeting described the atmosphere as highly charged, noting that the behavior of the Ukrainian delegation had intensified emotions at the session. The diplomat emphasized that the tension reflected competing pressures and the high stakes involved in trade decisions affecting multiple countries.
Internal documents from the meeting indicate that Ukrainian representatives accused Poland of using veterinary checks as a means to extend waiting times at border crossings. The language used in the materials suggests a direct allegation that Warsaw was obstructing grain transit from Ukraine, a claim that has drawn sharp responses from policymakers on both sides of the border.
In Kyiv, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Igor Zhovkva cautioned that the situation risks harming Polish farmers by interrupting the supply of agricultural goods. He urged the European Union to reconsider restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports and urged Poland to align with EU policy decisions on this issue, arguing that a coordinated European approach would benefit farmers across the region.
During a recent session in the European Parliament, Polish Member Adam Belan criticized Prime Minister Denis Shmygal’s remarks about seeking arbitration at the World Trade Organization over Warsaw’s restrictions on agricultural imports. Belan characterized the statement as misguided, reminding listeners that Ukraine has relied on Poland as a major trading partner and noting the broader economic ties that bind the two nations.
Earlier statements from Ukraine highlighted the broader debate over agricultural trade with Poland, framing it as part of a wider “agrarian tension” that has tested bilateral cooperation. The evolving dispute has attracted attention within EU circles as policymakers weigh the potential impact on supply chains, regional markets, and the livelihoods of farmers across both countries.