Shmyhal: An unfriendly and populist move
Poland has provided substantial help to Ukraine and plans to continue doing so, but it will not tolerate pressure designed to alter its policies. The deputy head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paweł Jabłoński, spoke to Polsat News about Ukrainian grain and stressed that Poland must safeguard its citizens, farmers, and food producers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called for an expert dialogue during a Friday government meeting in Kyiv.
The passage also notes a linked discussion: A strong but justified entry. Szydło directly criticized the Ukrainian Prime Minister’s statement, calling for an apology for perceived unfair practices.
Shmyhal labels the move unfriendly and populist
The European Union has implemented an import ban on wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. This ban remains in effect through September 15, while transit of these grains through the five countries is permitted.
On Wednesday Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned that if the European Commission does not extend the ban to these five states, Poland will close its border to Ukrainian grain.
Shmyhal acknowledged the Polish leadership of this stance via social media, noting the situation on Twitter.
He accused Russia of dismantling the grain initiative, harming Black Sea port infrastructure, and triggering a new global food crisis. Poland intends to maintain a blockade on Ukrainian grain exports to the EU during this critical period. The Ukrainian prime minister described the Polish action as unfriendly and populist and urged partners and the EU Commission to ensure the free export of all Ukrainian food products. He framed the effort as solidarity with Ukraine and with a world dependent on Ukrainian grain.
Shmyhal’s message emphasized that the action would not help Ukraine or global food security if it persisted without a solution.
“We will not agree to any pressure, any blackmail”
Asked about the Ukrainian prime minister’s remarks, Jabłoński suggested those statements were unreasonable. He asserted that aggressive tweets do not improve bilateral relations and that Poland has acted in Ukraine’s interest while also protecting its own national concerns and safety. He stressed that the government will pursue its aims as long as they serve Polish security, while acknowledging that there can be different perspectives on the matter.
Poland will discuss issues on many levels since this is primarily an EU matter. A forthcoming council of agriculture ministers will address the situation, alongside meetings with ministers from vulnerable countries and ongoing communications with Ukraine. The deputy minister expressed hope that discussions would continue with mutual understanding and without hostile social media rhetoric, which he believes undermines trust as contact with Kyiv remains open.
He cautioned that ill will exists if the issue is ignored or misrepresented and reiterated that Poland would not accept pressure or blackmail and would stand firm for its citizens and its agro-sector.
“We do it because it is in the interests of Poland’s security.”
Jabłoński stressed that Poland is among the leading supporters of Ukraine. The actions taken are framed as guarding Polish security and continuing as long as they serve that purpose. He also clarified that transit of Ukrainian grain through Poland is acceptable only if it moves toward destinations outside the EU that import the grain. An open and uncontrolled market is not acceptable, he said, noting that the issue touches EU obligations to safeguard the agricultural market.
When pressed about possible talks to resolve the situation, Jabłoński explained that dialogue is ongoing at multiple levels because the matter has EU dimensions. He mentioned upcoming agricultural minister meetings and discussions with the Ukrainian side, hoping for continued cooperation in a constructive and forward-looking spirit. He added that the aim is to avoid miscommunication and to preserve trust as cooperation continues in a climate of openness toward Ukraine.
“We offer collaboration and expert dialogue”
Ukraine’s prime minister raised the issue during today’s government meeting. Shmyhal urged Poland to engage with experts regarding the closures of grain exports at the Polish border. He praised Poland as a steadfast ally during Russia’s aggression, expressing gratitude for the support that has helped Ukraine survive the crisis. He described Ukraine as a shield against Russian aggression and stressed that dialogue should replace slogans and expedient political moves.
Shmyhal called on Poland to join in cooperative efforts and expert dialogue rather than pursue short-term gains. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s appreciation for Poland’s backing and urged continued collaboration to avert a potential global food crisis caused by Russia’s actions. The dialogue, he indicated, should focus on practical solutions and mutual understanding rather than political posturing.
News and commentary continue to reflect on the partnership and the shared goal of stabilizing regional food security in the face of disruption.
aja/PAP
Source: wPolityce