Ukraine's agriculture ministry addresses Polish farmers' claims after border blockade started
Photo: Polish farmers use the border blockade to put pressure on the authorities (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Polish farmers blocking the border with Ukraine are not making any claims against Ukrainian goods. The protests are being used to exert pressure on the Polish government, according to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine.
"We have been working on the blockade for more than three weeks, as this information from the organization of radical Polish farmers surfaced almost a month ago," the Ministry said.
Agrarian Policy Minister Vitaliy Koval held two meetings with his Polish counterpart, Czesław Siekierski, and addressed the issue with the European Commission.
"Polish farmers are not making any demands regarding Ukrainian goods, but are using the border as a tool to influence their government," the Ministry explained.
Border blockade in Poland
On Saturday, November 23, Polish farmers began their protest action at the border with Ukraine, specifically at the Medyka - Shehyni crossing point. Earlier, the farmers had announced a strike that was set to last from October 8 to December 31, 2024.
The farmers are blocking the movement of trucks between Ukraine and Poland. As of this morning, about 150 trucks are waiting to enter Ukraine. The farmers are allowing one truck to pass per hour.
The organizers of the blockade stated that the farmers are protesting for two reasons: the increase in taxes in Poland and the signing of a free trade agreement between the EU and South American countries.
