Poland stands in solidarity with Ukraine in this challenging moment in history, but there is 'one critical issue' in bilateral relations concerning the export of Ukrainian agricultural products, which needs to be resolved taking into account the interests of all parties.
During a joint press conference on Monday in Warsaw with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, emphasized the importance for Ukrainian politicians to 'avoid unnecessary emotional comments' about Poland.
The Prime Minister of Poland noted that it was important for him, in his capacity as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, to make his first foreign visit to Kyiv. He underscored that Poland is the last country that needs to somehow demonstrate its solidarity with Ukraine; instead, Warsaw is more focused on persuading other countries to act more actively and fulfill their obligations in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"There is no deficit in Polish-Ukrainian relations. But there is one critical issue concerning the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products to Poland and Europe without duties and standards that apply in the EU. This is difficult for Ukraine, it is difficult for me, but a solution must be found that does not harm Polish farmers. And I want Brussels and Kyiv to understand that maintaining the status quo is unacceptable for hundreds of thousands of farmers who work hard," Tusk emphasized.
According to him, both countries must find solutions that do not harm Ukraine, but also ensure that Polish farmers do not become victims.
"I hope for understanding. I hope that Ukrainian politicians will refrain from unnecessary emotional comments at times. It is clear that this is a challenging 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 issue, it would be the greatest idiocy in the history of our nations. Because we need each other now more than ever, and I hope everyone understands this," Tusk stressed.
