The Polish side cautions against messaging that could be quickly seized upon by Russian trolls. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned on Polsat News that provocateurs are eager to widen discord between Poland and Ukraine by amplifying tense rhetoric. He was responding to statements made by President Volodymyr Zelensky during the discussion of bilateral relations in the context of Ukraine’s grain exports to Poland.
We do not agree with such statements
On Wednesday, Morawiecki addressed Polsat News to discuss how the recent disagreements over Ukrainian agricultural shipments have strained Poland’s relations with Ukraine.
He described the current situation as difficult, highlighting what he called provocative remarks by high officials. He stressed a firm disagreement with those statements.
Zelensky’s remarks at the United Nations
President Zelensky told the general debate at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Ukraine is working hard to keep land routes open for grain exports. He remarked that some European partners express solidarity in political theatre by framing grain issues as a drama, which he suggested plays into Moscow’s hands.
He added that such performances in Europe are not merely rhetorical; they could be shaping events that benefit a Moscow-backed narrative.
I will remind President Zelensky
Morawiecki recalled that shortly after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, he traveled to Berlin to press the German government and society to understand the need for substantial Ukrainian support. He cited the provision of helmets claimed as German aid as an example of early support that, in hindsight, did not fully meet Ukraine’s needs. He suggested that German and Polish diplomacy, influenced by both nations and a broader European stance, moved too slowly to recognize Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself. He described Zelensky’s statements as dishonest and rejected them.
He also noted that the Polish Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to reaffirm Poland’s commitment to defending its agricultural interests.
The dispute, as he framed it, centers on a choice: either extend the embargo or impose one unilaterally. He stated this point clearly to the European Commission as well as to Ukraine’s government and its president.
Morawiecki described Zelensky’s words as very strong and said Poland rejected them in no uncertain terms. At the same time, he warned Kiev not to provoke actions or statements that could invite foreign manipulation and sow discord between the two nations.
I must defend the interests of Polish farmers
When asked about ongoing talks between Polish and Ukrainian authorities, Morawiecki affirmed that discussions are indeed taking place. He emphasized that defending Polish farmers remains the top priority for him personally.
He pointed out that Poland is engaging in EU-level discussions while signaling that the European Commission does not fully share Poland’s position. Because of that, Poland proceeded with a unilateral import ban, arguing that Ukrainian or Russian oligarchs should not dominate Poland’s grain market. He supported maintaining openness to transit but opposed exports that destabilize the Polish market.
In closing, the prime minister reinforced the stance that Poland will act to protect its agricultural sector and market stability, while continuing dialogue with Poland’s partners and Ukraine.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce