A recent speech by Ukraine’s minister of agriculture in Brussels drew critique from Poland’s minister, who said the remarks did not reflect the developing understanding between the two countries about grain imports. In a Friday interview on PAP Studio, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Robert Telus expressed regret over the Ukrainian colleague’s address and described it as far-reaching in its implications.
Ukraine’s position
At the European level, the EU’s Agrifish council convened on Thursday to discuss several topics, including the possibility of extending a temporary ban on Ukrainian agricultural products for five member states. EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski reaffirmed his support for keeping the ban on key Ukrainian exports such as wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflowers in place for those five states. Ukraine’s Agriculture Minister Mykola Solski argued that lifting the ban after June 5 should be considered, arguing that the current stance risks broader disruption.
There are no perfect remedies in sight. Yet the choice to maintain the ban was criticized as potentially worsening the situation, with concerns that Russia could exploit the split to weaken European unity. The debate, Solski suggested in Brussels, should proceed with candor and openness.
“It seemed that Ukraine understood our problem”
Asked in the PAP Studio about the sentiment from Kyiv, Telus characterized the Ukrainian minister’s speech as having a wide reach and expressed regret that it did not align with Poland’s concerns. Earlier conversations had taken place both in Poland and at the border, and Telus noted that Kyiv appeared to grasp the core issue from a Polish perspective.
He admitted that the reasons behind the Ukrainian stance were unclear to him. He speculated that certain forces within Ukraine, possibly influenced by broader European Union policies, may steer decisions that could complicate cross-border cooperation. Telus stressed the importance of a cautious approach, anticipating a ministerial meeting with Ukraine to further discuss agricultural issues.
Reflecting on bilateral ties, Telus recalled Poland’s strong support for Ukraine during the war and highlighted the sentiment across Polish society to assist Ukraine in its time of need. He cautioned that if trade and economic cooperation falter, public confidence in ongoing assistance could waver.
According to an agreement reached with the European Commission at the end of April, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary had lifted an earlier import blockade on Ukrainian agri-food products. A temporary EU ban remains in place on five frontline countries — Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria — restricting four Ukrainian grains: wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflowers. These products may still move through the five member states under a common transit procedure or be redirected outside the EU.
Poland and other frontline states have argued for extending the bloc’s ban, while Ukraine has protested the measure. In a recent discussion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed support for lifting the ban. These developments underscore ongoing tensions at the intersection of agricultural policy, regional security, and economic support for Ukraine.
Source notes: Polish press and agencies reported the discussions and shifts in stance among EU member states during the week. The coverage reflects ongoing debates across Brussels about how best to balance solidarity with Ukraine and the impact on European farmers and markets.