He also emphasized that “he will not be the one to stab Ukraine in the back.” “I will not block the border with Ukraine at a time when Ukraine’s fate is being decided over these months. I will not do it and I will not allow anyone else to do it. But when it comes to competition over Ukrainian grain, I am already taking action,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Tusk’s statement follows the ongoing blockade of three border crossings with Ukraine by dissatisfied Polish farmers. The protest manifested itself, among other ways, by spreading manure and slurry in front of parliamentarians’ offices. Agricultural negotiators also occupied a meeting room at the Ministry of Agriculture in Warsaw for two days.
The end of the occupation of the Ministry of Agriculture was announced on Friday, clearing the way for the payment of subsidies to farmers. These subsidies are crucial for many farmers as they can help support their operations.
Additionally, the agricultural solidarity movement announced plans to hold a large demonstration in Warsaw on May 10. This protest will focus on the European Union’s 'Green Deal' policy, which farmers believe is harmful to Polish agriculture.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged that the problem is real and has sought support for farmers in Brussels. Tusk said there are over 20 million tons of surplus grain stored in Europe, with 9 million tons alone in Poland. According to him, most of it is Ukrainian grain that still needs to be exported.
Tusk’s announcement that Poland will not isolate Ukraine but will ensure a good grain deal can be seen as reassurance. A stable trade relationship with Ukraine is very important for the Polish agricultural sector, given the close economic ties between the two countries.
Last month, Kyiv announced that grain exports via the Black Sea have nearly fully recovered, with bulk shipments from Odessa almost back to pre-war levels. In addition, Ukraine has now resumed container shipping by sea. On April 3, the first container ship entered the Odessa port of Chornomorsk.