Ukraine-Poland quarrel would be 'greatest idiocy in history,' Polish PM says
Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland (Photo: Getty Images)
The quarrel between Ukraine and Poland over the grain issue would be the greatest idiocy in the history of relations between the two countries. It is necessary to find a solution to the problem, states the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.
According to Tusk, there is currently no deficit in Polish-Ukrainian relations, but there is a "critical moment" concerning the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to Poland and other European Union countries duty-free.
The Polish Prime Minister has stated that maintaining the current rules of Ukrainian exports is unacceptable for hundreds of thousands of farmers.
He emphasizes that the two countries must find a solution that satisfies Ukraine while not harming Polish farmers.
"I hope for understanding. I hope that Ukrainian politicians will refrain from unnecessary emotional comments at times. It is clear that this is a difficult moment; we need to find a solution, but not one that could divide us. If we were to quarrel now and not find a solution to this matter, it would be the greatest idiocy in the history of our nations," adds the Prime Minister.
Border blockade with Ukraine
Polish farmers have been protesting at the border with Ukraine for several weeks now. They are blocking border crossings for trucks exporting Ukrainian agricultural products and more.
This situation heavily affects Ukrainian exports, which transit through Poland.
Recently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal presented a five-point plan to end the border blockade.
If the issue with Poland is not resolved, the head of the Ukrainian government threatened with retaliatory measures.
