Maintaining a strong alliance with Poland is a priority for Ukraine, yet Kyiv is prepared to defend its interests if border disagreements cannot be resolved. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that the relationship remains essential, and that Kyiv will push for solutions that protect Ukraine’s economic and strategic interests if talks stall.
The Ukrainian leader argued that it is unfair to leverage Kyiv in negotiations with European institutions. He expressed confidence that Polish and Ukrainian prime ministers will reach workable arrangements, emphasizing that the alliance with Poland is vital while making clear that Ukraine will safeguard its business interests if no consensus emerges.
Speaking at a press conference tied to the Ukraine 2024 summit—a review of two years of defense against the Russian invasion—Zelensky highlighted ongoing, constructive relations with Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, and president Andrzej Duda, while stressing that the border issue remains a political matter connected to broader regional dynamics.
Since April of the previous year, Zelensky has described agricultural trade as a political vector. He recalled that initial criticism from Ukrainian society and some outlets did not deter him; today he notes that the European Commission has corroborated his stance. He insisted that a Polish election cycle or a new cabinet would not alter this course, underscoring the political nature of the issue.
The Ukrainian president suggested that the border dispute is rooted in Poland’s internal political contest. He acknowledged ongoing political tensions within Poland but also reaffirmed gratitude toward Polish society and cautioned against exploiting the dispute for partisan gain.
Zelensky reiterated that the border separating Ukraine and Poland should not be viewed as a barrier between two peoples or societies, noting that both nations’ citizens are capable of understanding the broader context of the tensions that have surfaced between governments.
Podolak: Ukraine and Poland will reach an agreement on border protests
Mykhailo Podolak, a senior adviser to Zelensky, told PAP on Sunday that an agreement on border protests between Ukraine and Poland is within reach. He stressed that the current disagreements do not undermine bilateral ties, and that Kyiv understands the political factors driving protests in Poland, as well as similar demonstrations across Europe, including France and Germany.
Podolak pointed out that farmers are opposing the European Green Deal and changes in agricultural subsidies. He noted that these demonstrations extend beyond bilateral concerns and that Ukraine continues to view the issue through an economic lens, ready to discuss it with Warsaw and Brussels.
The adviser emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to engage directly in negotiations because it is not seeking to impose competitive pressure on Polish farmers. He suggested that a resolution could be achieved in a manner similar to how previous challenges were addressed, including issues related to transportation and logistics.
Podolak explained that unblocking border passages remains a priority to safeguard uninterrupted arms supply to the Ukrainian armed forces, which continue to face the Russian invasion. He described moves by Poland’s government under Donald Tusk to identify practical routes to ease border controls and ensure that equipment can move more freely when needed.
For Ukraine, this is a matter of wartime logistics and national security. The conflict persists, with daily incidents ranging from minor clashes to more significant confrontations, underscoring the need for reliable transit routes for weapons and equipment while the war continues. Poland remains a key transit partner in sustaining Kyiv’s defense as it presses forward with its alliance obligations.
Asked about a security framework between Ukraine and Poland, Podolak confirmed talks are ongoing, with Kyiv engaging with multiple countries, including Poland, given its status as Ukraine’s leading partner today, as Zelensky’s advisor noted.
tkwl/PAP
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Source: wPolityce