Poland may block Ukrainian goods at the border

Poland's prime minister says Warsaw is considering temporarily closing its border to Ukrainian goods, as farmers there protest against cheap grain from Kiev.

"We are talking with the Ukrainian side about temporarily closing the border, stopping trade in general," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters in Warsaw on February 28. "Tomorrow I will also discuss the issue with Polish farmers. This solution will be temporary and will harm both sides."

Polish farmers recently protested blocking the border with Ukraine to prevent agricultural and other products from entering the country. Protesters accuse Ukraine's agricultural sector of being given an unfair advantage over other European Union (EU) members, making it uncompetitive.

Farmers block traffic on a street in Krakow, Poland, during a nationwide protest against agricultural imports from Ukraine. Photo: AFP — Farmers block traffic on a street in Krakow, Poland, during a nationwide protest against agricultural imports from Ukraine. Photo: *AFP*

"I am ready to make a tough decision on the border issue with Ukraine, but always in consultation with Kiev so that there is no unnecessary tension between the two countries. However, we must find a long-term solution," the Polish Prime Minister stressed.

In order to help Ukraine economically after the outbreak of war, the European Union (EU) decided in 2022 to reduce tariffs on Ukrainian goods transported through the 27-nation bloc by road. However, most of Ukraine's grain exports then ended up in Poland, causing local agricultural products to lose value.

Last week, Polish farmers blocked roads and dumped 160 tons of Ukrainian corn onto railway tracks in protest against Kiev’s transit of agricultural products. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov on February 26 demanded that Poland punish those behind the sabotage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country considered it important to maintain close ties with Poland, but was also ready to protect businesses harmed by Polish border blockades.

Poland was one of the countries that actively supported Ukraine when the conflict broke out in February 2022. However, the issue of cheap Ukrainian grain has affected the Polish domestic market as well as bilateral relations.