Diplomatic tensions escalated as Poland issued a robust response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s insinuations during his recent UN General Assembly speech. Zelenskyy had implied that Poland, along with Hungary and Slovakia, inadvertently assisted Russia by imposing restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports through their territories.
Jacek Sasin, Poland’s Minister of State Assets, criticised Zelenskyy’s remarks, asserting, “No one in the world has provided more generous help to Ukrainians than Poles. President Zelenskyy should remember this. But the government in Warsaw is primarily concerned with taking care of Polish citizens, including farmers.”
Sasin further emphasised the current government’s commitment to safeguarding Polish interests, especially those of its farmers, by imposing restrictions on Ukrainian food products. These measures were adopted in response to the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal in July, which disrupted Ukraine’s agricultural exports.
Ukraine, seeking alternative routes to global markets for its agricultural products, voiced its opposition to these restrictions. President Zelenskyy’s UN address contained indirect criticism, stating it was “alarming to see how some in Europe … are helping set the stage for a Moscow actor.” While Polish officials defended their actions, the dispute has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, as a planned meeting between Zelenskyy and Polish President Andrzej Duda did not occur at the UN.
Poland, a significant provider of military and diplomatic support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, is currently experiencing a political climate influenced by upcoming parliamentary elections on October 15. The ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), has prioritised protecting the interests of farmers, a key voter demographic, against the backdrop of the Ukrainian grain issue.
Poland Reacts Strongly: Ukraine Ambassador Summoned Over Zelenskiy’s UN Comments
Poland’s Foreign Ministry has taken a significant step in the ongoing dispute with Ukraine by summoning Ukraine’s ambassador to address comments made by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Zelensky’s remarks touched on the discontent within certain European countries regarding grain imports from Ukraine, suggesting that such actions indirectly benefited Russia. In response, Warsaw conveyed its “strong protest” against these comments, highlighting its unwavering support for Ukraine and its citizens throughout Russia’s invasion.
In a statement released on September 20, Poland’s Foreign Ministry expressed its displeasure over President Zelenskiy’s assertions at the UN General Assembly. The statement specifically noted that Zelenskiy alleged that some European Union (EU) countries were pretending to show solidarity while inadvertently supporting Russia. Poland categorically rejected these claims and emphasised its extensive assistance to Ukraine during the turbulent period of Russia’s invasion.
The diplomatic dispute underscores the complexity of the situation surrounding grain imports and geopolitical tensions in the region. The summoning of Ukraine’s ambassador signals Poland’s determination to address the matter head-on, even as both countries navigate their roles in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.