The Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has criticized Ukraine for summoning Warsaw’s envoy over remarks made by a high-level presidential staffer. The comments suggested that Ukraine should be more grateful for the foreign aid it has received. Morawiecki took to Twitter to express his disagreement with the decision to summon the Polish ambassador, stating that such mistakes should not happen, especially considering Poland’s support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. He emphasized that Poland will always prioritize its own security and interests.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had summoned the Polish ambassador, Bartosz Cichocki, to discuss the recent statements made by Marcin Przydacz, head of the international policy bureau in the Polish presidential administration. Przydacz defended the ban on Ukrainian grain imports, stating that Ukraine should appreciate Poland’s role in assisting it over the past months and years. The Ukrainian government reacted negatively to these comments, calling them unacceptable and stating that they do not reflect the reality of the situation.
Andrey Sibiga, the deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s administration, also condemned the “unfounded claims” that Ukraine does not appreciate Poland’s help. However, the Polish Foreign Minister, Pawel Jablonski, rejected these criticisms, stating that Poland’s policies are guided by its own interests. He highlighted the significant amount of assistance given to Ukraine over the last year.
The tensions between Ukraine and Poland stem from the EU’s decision to slash quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural exports during the conflict with Russia. This led to an influx of cheap grain into the EU’s common market, causing protests from farmers in Eastern Europe. Initially, five EU member states, including Poland, implemented restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports. Later, the EU as a whole imposed a formal ban.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has urged the EU to lift the restrictions by September 15, describing them as “un-European.” Prime Minister Denis Shmigal singled out Poland’s position as “unfriendly and populist.” The issue of grain exports has become a point of contention between the two countries, with Ukraine seeking support from the EU to address the concerns raised by Eastern European farmers.
In conclusion, the tensions between Ukraine and Poland over remarks made by a high-level Polish official reflect broader disagreements regarding grain exports and the support given to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Both countries have defended their positions, emphasizing their respective interests and the necessity for mutual appreciation and understanding. The issue remains unresolved, with Ukraine appealing to the EU for action.
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