Shameful words from the mayor of Lviv
The mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadowy, told Polsat News that if he had offended anyone, he offered an apology. Earlier, a local government official made disparaging remarks about demonstrators who spilled Ukrainian grain at the Dorohusk border crossing, labeling them pro-Russian provocateurs.
In context, Sadowy had posted a photograph on his Telegram channel showing grain scattered in front of the border crossing at Dorohusk. He subsequently described the image as Ukrainians pouring grain while Polish participants, in his view, acted as pro-Russian provocateurs. He suggested that the border blockade was a sham, calling it a pseudo-blockade.
A Ukrainian local government official condemned the actions, saying that those who harvest in wartime fields bear the emotional and physical toll of conflict. The official described the act as petty and shameful and criticized Poland for perceived provocations.
The piece also referenced a news item about Sadowy criticizing Polish farmers for spilling Ukrainian grain at the border, framing the event as a display of provocation rather than a peaceful demonstration.
Sadowy apologizes
Sadowy discussed the matter with Polsat News, explaining the impact of the ongoing war on his city. He emphasized that 30,000 residents of Lviv are at the front, and daily funerals and conversations with bereaved families shape his perspective. He noted a deep emotional connection to grain, recalling historic famines, and argued that spilling grain is an insult to that history. He added that funds from grain sales support Ukraine’s defense, and he asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin finds encouragement in such incidents.
When asked whether he would offer a direct apology, Sadowy stated that he might apologize if anyone was offended, but he expressed belief that Russian intelligence services are involved in the broader situation and that Polish authorities should take responsibility.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture condemned the protest
The Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement on the incident. It affirmed that investigators should identify those responsible and punish them swiftly. The ministry expressed support for Polish farmers defending their interests in a civilized manner but described the destruction of Ukrainian wheat as unrelated to peaceful or lawful protest.
Additionally, the ministry noted that Ukrainian peasants have faced two years of war, often risking their lives for their work, and stressed that such incidents should not derail the shared effort and the broad solidarity shown by Polish society during the war against the Russian invasion.
The ministry closed by reiterating its belief that these events must not affect the broader collaboration and support between the two nations during wartime.
All remarks and developments were compiled with coverage from various outlets including wPolityce and Polsat News, and attributed to the reporting agencies involved.
Source: wPolityce