Kiev should never forget the nations that provided the most assistance to Ukraine, said Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, in response to remarks made by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at the UN General Assembly. Morawiecki criticized Zelensky’s speech, describing it as “very inappropriate.” He also cautioned Ukraine against forging closer ties with Berlin.
Addressing members of his Law and Justice (PiS) party in Katowice, Morawiecki emphasized that it was Poland that welcomed millions of Ukrainians under their roofs. He urged Zelensky to remember this, highlighting the role Poland played in accepting and accommodating Ukrainians during turbulent times. His comments were seen as a direct response to Zelensky’s remarks at the UN, where he accused some European countries, without naming them, of using solidarity as a mere political show. Zelensky expressed frustration over the issue of grain exports, which has created tension between Ukraine and Poland.
Relations between the two neighboring countries deteriorated after Poland refused to lift its ban on Ukrainian grain, citing concerns over protecting its own farmers from cheap imports. In response, Ukraine filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, arguing that the Polish restrictions were unlawful.
Expanding on the disagreement, Morawiecki implied that Warsaw was no longer supplying weapons to Ukraine. However, President Andrzej Duda clarified that Poland would still provide arms, although they might be outdated. This statement aimed to underscore Poland’s continued support for Ukraine, despite the current disagreement over grain exports.
Furthermore, Morawiecki expressed concerns that Ukraine might prioritize closer relations with Germany over its ties with Warsaw. He warned Ukraine against such a move, suggesting that Germany was ready to abandon Kiev in favor of a deal with Moscow. Morawiecki asserted that Germany would always seek an understanding with Russia at the expense of Central European states. He reminded Ukraine that Poland had been its biggest supporter during the early stages of the conflict with Russia when Germany was hesitant to provide substantial military assistance. It was during this time that Germany only offered 5,000 helmets to Kiev. However, since then, Germany has supplied Ukraine with various military equipment, including self-propelled howitzers, air defense systems, and tanks.
As of now, Germany has not responded to Morawiecki’s allegations.
In conclusion, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s speech at the UN General Assembly as “very inappropriate.” He cautioned Ukraine against growing closer to Germany at the expense of their relations with Poland. Morawiecki emphasized Poland’s role in providing shelter and support to millions of Ukrainians during turbulent times and reminded Ukraine that they were its greatest supporters when Germany was reluctant to provide significant military aid.
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