Ukrainian delegation addresses border trade dispute: hopes for resolution
"Our Prime Minister (Denys Shmyhal) alongside key ministers dealing with exports, imports, trade, and those responsible for logistics, infrastructure, and agriculture, coupled with the heads of the Border Guard–this group under the Prime Minister's leadership will be at the border with Poland today", stated Zelensky during a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
"Whether or not our Polish colleagues will also be present is up to them, but we cannot be there tomorrow. Tomorrow marks two years of this struggle, two years of war," the Ukrainian president added.
Zelensky also thanked the Polish people for all they have done since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Maintaining our relationships is vital to us, as well as upholding the truth. This is incredibly important. Ukrainian grain is not reaching the Polish market. This is happening at the request of Poland. We have found new solutions, but transit issues fall somewhat outside of European law. Hence, we are prepared and will do everything we can to address this issue," the president stressed.
Tusk receives an invitation
This Wednesday, Volodymyr Zelensky posted a detailed message to 'Platform X', calling upon the head of the Polish government to meet at the border, aiming to settle the issue caused by the protests of the Polish farmers.
The President of Ukraine expressed hope that this meeting would occur before the second anniversary of the war outbreak in Ukraine, falling this Saturday.
During Thursday's press conference, Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured his understanding of the situation and empathy for the Ukrainian side. Tusk declared that it was agreed upon during his trip to Kyiv that the usual meeting format would resume, where both Polish and Ukrainian governments meet collectively.
"I arranged with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, with President Volodymyr Zelensky's knowledge, that a meeting of both governments will take place in Warsaw on March 28th. I trust that by then, technical discussions at the ministry and deputy ministry levels will have progressed to the point where this meeting will effectively address border issues and our mutual trade exchange," the head of government emphasised.
Tusk also revealed plans to guarantee that military and humanitarian aid reaches Ukraine without delay. He announced that border crossings with Ukraine will be classified as critical infrastructure, along with certain sections of roads and rail tracks.
