““Scattering of Ukrainian grain on railway lines in Poland is a new political provocation aimed at dividing our nations,” wrote Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov on Platform the actions of Polish demonstrators at the Ukrainian-Polish border and expect a decisive response,” wrote the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.
For two years, Ukrainian farmers harvested grain in bulletproof vests, under rocket fire and mine explosions. And the Ukrainian army literally won a corridor for this grain through the Black Sea. 90 percent of our exports go via the Black Sea
– noted the Deputy Prime Minister.
He pointed out that this is not only a question of Ukraine’s survival, but also of “food security, which depends on Ukrainian grain, especially in Africa and Asia.”
Kubrakov also referred to the anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, which is celebrated in Ukraine: “10 years ago, on the Maidan during the Revolution of Dignity, hundreds of Ukrainians died for the right to live in accordance with the values of a free and modern Europe. And we still believe that Europe is a place where work is respected and partnership is valued.
““Shame and Shame”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Zwarycz also commented on the situation with grain.
We strongly condemn the spilling of Ukrainian grain by demonstrators in Medyka. Police must respond decisively and punish those who break the law. (…) Shame and disgrace, gentlemen!
– he declared on the X platform.
Today the farmers in Medyka intensified their protest. There are currently about 250 on the site, in addition to about 150 passenger cars, individual trucks and various agricultural tractors. Police note that protesters have so far allowed one truck to pass in each direction, but on Tuesday farmers intensified their protest and stopped allowing trucks.
So the queues will grow
– emphasizes the police.
The Suspilne portal reported on Telegram that Polish farmers blocked the railway line near the Medyka-Szeginie checkpoint.
They threw grain out of the boxcar
– we read into the information.
As Polish police note, a group of farmers staying at the site moved on Tuesday from the road where they were protesting to the area with the tracks running alongside it. According to police, they stayed there for several minutes and returned to the protest site after negotiations with the officers. After they left, a small amount of spilled grain was noticed on the tracks.
READ ALSO: Farmers spread their protest across the country! Protesters completely block traffic to border crossings with Ukraine, as well as many roads and highways
Blockade without justification?
The blockade of the Polish-Ukrainian border, regardless of the slogans that accompany it, has no justification
– wrote the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleh Nikolenko, on Facebook.
The normal functioning of land borders is very important in the face of Russian aggression, he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called on Polish authorities to legally assess the actions of farmers protesting at the border, unblock them and take measures to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
The actions of Polish protesters and some radical Polish politicians are undermining the Ukrainian economy and its resistance to Russian aggression
– said the spokesperson.
The border between Poland and Ukraine is also the EU border. It must not be held hostage by political interests. We also find the aggressive attitude of demonstrators towards Ukrainians and Ukrainian goods crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border unacceptable.
– Nikolenko emphasized.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also noted that the anti-Ukrainian slogans heard at the border confirm the politically motivated nature of the action.
The aim is to cause a further deterioration in bilateral relations
– he pointed out.
Nikolenko also drew attention to the fact that the demonstrators did not mention the dangers of importing grain and other agricultural products from Russia and other countries.
We call on the Polish authorities to legally assess the actions of demonstrators, ensure that the border is unblocked and take action to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric based on unfounded arguments.
– he emphasized.
Where is the solidarity?
He stressed that, given the external challenges, it is extremely important to maintain the level of solidarity that Ukraine and Poland have built in recent years.
Ukrainians and Poland must defend good neighborly relations, repel all attempts to undermine mutual trust and threaten the security of our countries
– wrote the spokesperson.
Protests and blockades at the border with Ukraine led by Polish farmers and transporters began in November. Farmers protested in this way, among other things: against the European Commission’s decision to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine until 2025.
Six border crossings were blocked on Monday
– said Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov.
The Ukrainian side estimated on Sunday that there were almost 3,000 on the Polish side. trucks were waiting to cross the border.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in his evening speech yesterday that only 5 percent. Ukrainian agricultural exports cross the Polish border.
The situation is not really about grain, but most likely about politics. And in the vicinity of Kupiańsk, near the border with Russia, where the enemy artillery fire does not stop, the news from the border with Poland simply sounds like ridicule.
– added the president.
Report to the EC
The Ukrainian authorities have informed the European Commission about the actions of Polish demonstrators at the Ukrainian-Polish border and expect a decisive response.
– wrote on Platform
Swyrydenko said the recent actions of some Polish demonstrators at the border raise concerns.
Dumping grain from a freight train onto the tracks and blocking passenger traffic is not a protest. This is a violation of public order. Such methods are not in line with the standards of behavior expected in a European country
– said the Deputy Prime Minister.
She said that the Ukrainian authorities had already informed the European Commission about the situation related to the border blockade and were expecting a decisive response.
Given the ongoing Russian aggression, maintaining the functioning of our land borders is of great importance. It is crucial that the border is not held hostage by such actions
– summarized Svyrydenko.
READ ALSO:
– What do the coalition partners say? Hetman: I support the farmers’ protests. “They act for a just cause”; ‘They are in a dramatic situation’
– ONLY HERE. Peasants protest against grain imports from Ukraine. Wojciechowski: The responsibility lies with the national authorities
— Farmers covered the entire country with their protest! Protesters completely block traffic to border crossings with Ukraine, as well as many roads and highways
Mon/PAP/X/Facebook
Source: wPolityce