Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov described the scattering of Ukrainian grain along Polish railway lines as a provocative move aimed at splitting the two nations. He also referenced the response by Polish demonstrators at the Ukrainian-Polish border, calling for a clear and decisive action from authorities. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the seriousness of the border disruptions.
For two years, Ukrainian farmers operated under danger and pressure, harvesting grain while wearing protective vests, under shelling and mine threats. The Ukrainian armed forces had carved a corridor for this grain through the Black Sea, enabling about 90 percent of exports to move via that route. Kubrakov stressed that the issue goes beyond national survival and speaks to global food security, particularly for regions in Africa and Asia that rely on Ukrainian grain (Attribution: Ukrainian government briefings).
He also marked the anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, noting that ten years ago, hundreds of Ukrainians died for the right to live in a free, modern Europe. He affirmed that Europe remains a place where work is valued and partnerships are respected (Attribution: Ukrainian leadership statements).
Shame on the disruption
Vasyl Zwarycz, Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, condemned the spilling of Ukrainian grain by demonstrators in Medyka. He called for decisive police action to punish lawbreakers and declared the episode a disgrace (Attribution: official statements).
Today, Medyka’s protests intensified. Roughly 250 protesters were present at the site, joined by about 150 passenger vehicles, trucks, and assorted agricultural equipment. Police noted that while one truck could pass in each direction, the demonstrations escalated this Tuesday, with authorities temporarily halting truck movement. The growing queues were a predictable outcome of the blockade (Attribution: police reports and media coverage).
Portals reported that Polish farmers blocked the rail line near the Medyka-Szeginie checkpoint, with grain discarded from boxcars as events unfolded. Police described a group moving from the protest zone to the adjacent railway corridor for several minutes before returning to negotiations; after the group left, a small amount of grain was found spilled on the tracks (Attribution: local media and police updates).
Readers are directed to reports noting that farmers’ protests extended nationwide, including roadways and border routes, and described as a broad demonstration against trade policies affecting Ukraine (Attribution: media roundups).
Is the blockade justified?
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko stated on social media that the border blockade, regardless of slogans, lacks justification. He underscored the importance of land borders functioning normally amid Russian aggression and urged Polish authorities to assess the farmers’ actions legally, unblock crossings, and curb anti-Ukrainian rhetoric (Attribution: ministry communications).
The ministry also urged measures to prevent anti-Ukrainian rhetoric from fueling political tensions and called for actions that protect bilateral relations and stability on the EU’s eastern border (Attribution: official statements).
Nikolenko noted that the slogans heard at the border pointed to politically motivated actions and warned against attempts to deteriorate diplomatic ties. He urged Polish authorities to ensure border operations resume and to counter rhetoric based on unfounded claims (Attribution: official communications).
Where is the solidarity?
The spokesperson stressed the need to preserve the solidarity built between Ukraine and Poland in recent years, especially given external pressures. He urged both nations to defend good neighborly relations, repel attempts to undermine mutual trust, and maintain regional security (Attribution: official statements).
Protests and border blockades began in November, with farmers and transporters opposing the European Commission’s decision to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine through 2025. Six border crossings faced disruptions amid delays; Ukrainian officials reported as many as 3,000 trucks waiting to cross, highlighting the broader economic and political stakes (Attribution: government and media reports).
President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted in a late-evening address that only a small share of Ukrainian agricultural exports crosses the Polish border, suggesting the issue is as much political as it is logistical (Attribution: presidential remarks).
The situation was described as more political than agricultural in nature, amid ongoing hostilities near Kupiansk and persistent artillery fire from the east. Observers noted that the border developments in Poland resonated with broader regional tensions (Attribution: analyses and statements).
Report to the EC
Ukraine’s authorities informed the European Commission about the Polish border demonstrations and sought a strong response. Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko labeled the grain-dumping and traffic-blocking tactics as violations of public order and not representative of European standards of behavior (Attribution: government communications).
Ukrainian officials stated they had already briefed the EC on the border situation and anticipated a decisive reply. They stressed that maintaining open land borders is critical in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and urged that the border not be held hostage by disruptive actions (Attribution:European Commission briefings).
With the ongoing conflict, ensuring border functionality remains essential, and officials urged measures to halt anti-Ukrainian rhetoric rooted in unfounded claims (Attribution: official statements).
Where is the solidarity?
In light of external pressures, a consistent level of solidarity between Ukraine and Poland is deemed vital for regional stability. The spokesperson urged continued efforts to uphold good neighborly relations, protect mutual trust, and secure cross-border cooperation (Attribution: official communications).
Protests and blockades that began last November tied to the European Commission’s policy shifts have impacted several border crossings and major routes, affecting traffic and commerce across the region (Attribution: ongoing coverage).
Further updates and perspectives from political leaders and media have continued to reflect the tension between economic policy and political messaging in this evolving situation (Attribution: ongoing reporting).
Source attributions and recap summaries accompany ongoing coverage of the Medyka border events and related policy debates (Attribution: current reporting).