Zelenskyy on Polish border blockade: If situation is not resolved, Ukraine will have to defend its business
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is focused on resolving the issue of lifting the blockade at the Polish border, but if this cannot be achieved, the authorities will defend Ukrainian businesses.
Source: Zelenskyy during a press conference following the Ukraine.Year 2024 conference
Quote: "Ukraine needs to be supported now. We have a working relationship with [Polish Prime Minister Donald] Tusk and we have had meetings. I recently met with [Polish President Andrzej] Duda as well. And with Ursula von der Leyen [President of the European Commission].
I have been saying that this is a political issue since last April. And today, the European Commission has confirmed this."
Details: Zelenskyy believes that "there is an internal struggle in Poland" and that "it is simply unfair to use Ukraine as leverage against European institutions".
Quote: "I believe that the prime ministers will find the appropriate steps. As president, I say openly that it is very important for us to maintain our alliance with Poland. And if steps are not taken, then we will defend our businesses."
Read also: Why border blockade doesn't mean Poland's rejection of pro-Ukrainian course
Background:
- On 20 February, Polish farmers began a large protest across Poland, including on the border with Ukraine. Since then, there have been several incidents involving the spilling of Ukrainian grain and blocking of passenger traffic at the border.
- On 21 February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed that Poland hold a bilateral meeting at the level of governments and, if necessary, presidents in response to Polish farmers blocking checkpoints on the common border.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejected President Zelenskyy's suggestion of a governmental meeting at the border.
- On 23 February, the Ukrainian government delegation arrived at the border, but the meeting did not take place, since Poland’s representatives did not arrive.
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