Ukrainian Prime Minister decries halted meeting amid ongoing border blockade

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The head of the Ukrainian government announced that the delegation arrived at the border following a proposal by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Poland. The proposal was to "negotiate and find a compromise" on the current border blockade situation.

"Ukraine's President has proposed to Polish leadership a platform for negotiation and finding a compromise. This is happening right here, at the border. We come as equal partners and allies," said Denys Shmyhal.

He informed that a Ukrainian delegation was present at the border on Friday. "However, it's unfortunate that a meeting with Polish officials couldn't be convened today," he added.

The Prime Minister mentioned that Ukraine has, in the past six months, grappled with a border blockade that significantly impacts its economy.

A month ago in Kyiv, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland is Ukraine's most dependable and significant ally in a deadly battle against evil forces. He said that obstructing the border is detrimental to both nations and efforts should be made to prevent such instances. "A month has passed and we are back to the same contentious issue. We are now witnessing clear provocations," said Denys Shmyhal.

In a press conference last Thursday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the appeal from President Zelensky for a meeting between both governments at their shared border. This meeting was scheduled to happen before Saturday, marking the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tusk reassured his understanding of the situation and emotions on the Ukrainian side, asserting that during his visit to Kyiv, it was agreed that the original meeting format between the Polish and Ukrainian governments would be restored.

On Friday afternoon, Ukraine's Prime Minister issued another statement addressing the Poles. He asserted that for the past five months, his country has stopped selling grain to the Polish market.

"Ukraine has ceased selling corn, sunflowers, and rapeseed to the Polish market," he declared.

He added, "Ukrainian grain is only transported through Poland." He emphasized, "The blockade affects the entire Polish-Ukrainian trade exchange, impacting the economies of both our countries. Thus, both Ukraine and Polish entrepreneurs, who export goods valued at 12 billion dollars annually to our market, stand to lose."

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