23 February 2024
3 minute learn
Poland’s prime minister stated on Thursday the Polish and Ukrainian governments would meet in Warsaw on March 28, however didn’t settle for a request by Ukraine’s president for pressing talks on border blockades by Polish farmers, reported Reuters.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy known as on Wednesday for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Polish President Andrzej Duda and European Union officers to return to the Ukrainian-Polish border to debate the protests by the farmers, who’re indignant over what they are saying is unfair competitors from cheaper Ukrainian imports.
Zelenskiy made clear he needed talks earlier than Saturday’s second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I’ve agreed with the prime minister of Ukraine for a gathering between the 2 governments, which can happen in Warsaw on March 28, and I hope that by then technical talks will result in a fruitful assembly,” Tusk advised a press convention.
Requested by a reporter whether or not this meant he was not going to the border for talks, Tusk stated he believed he had made himself clear. He supplied no direct touch upon Zelenskiy’s proposal.
Zelenskiy, in his nightly video message, didn’t refer on to Tusk’s assertion, however stated he had raised his proposal for an pressing assembly throughout a phone dialog with European Council President Charles Michel.
“The state of affairs on the border with Poland is totally unacceptable. I suggested (Michel) about our Ukrainian initiative for an instantaneous assembly on the border involving representatives of Ukraine, Poland and the European Fee,” Zelenskiy stated.
“Negotiations are crucial and Ukraine’s proposals are fairly particular.”
In his remarks, Tusk reiterated his assist for Kyiv’s conflict effort and stated Poland would come with border crossings with Ukraine and sure sections of roads on an inventory of crucial infrastructure to “guarantee a 100% assure that army support … reaches the Ukrainian aspect with out delays”.
Overseas minister in Warsaw
Ukraine’s Overseas Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, additionally made no reference to Tusk’s remarks in regards to the March assembly, however stated he had held talks with Polish officers in Warsaw on Thursday.
“Each governments are aiming to resolve problematic points,” Kuleba stated on the social media platform X, the place he additionally thanked Tusk for his efforts to make sure unhindered deliveries of army support to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov advised Ukrainska Pravda media outlet that Kyiv was prepared for “any format” of talks to assist finish the border blockades.
Polish President Andrzej Duda stated he believed farmers have been proper to protest as they’re combating for his or her livelihood.
“This can be a European downside and this downside ought to be solved by the European Fee,” he advised non-public broadcaster Polsat Information. Nevertheless, he added that Tusk’s authorities is contemplating totally different situations.
“The federal government is contemplating numerous issues, together with, one of many parts we mentioned was even closing the border … in fact whereas making certain the opportunity of offering army and humanitarian provides for Ukraine.”
Polish farmers have broad public assist for his or her protests over excessive prices, low-cost meals imports and EU local weather insurance policies. This leaves Tusk with a troublesome balancing act as he tries to keep up Warsaw’s staunch assist for Kyiv in its battle towards Russian invaders whereas addressing the farmers’ grievances.
Kyiv has stated the protests, which have included blockades of border crossings, are damaging its battle to repel Russia.
Farmers continued to reveal throughout Poland on Thursday, however on a smaller scale than on Tuesday.
Adrian Wawrzyniak, a spokesperson for the Solidarity farmers’ union, stated protesters have been blocking three crossings with Ukraine though some vehicles have been being let by means of. He additionally stated a bridge linking Poland to the Czech Republic was being blocked, as have been a number of roads across the nation.
Farmers from the Czech Republic and different central European international locations additionally protested on Thursday alongside Czech borders, blocking some crossings as they demanded adjustments to EU insurance policies.
