Ukrainian Prime Minister's negotiations underscore ongoing border blockade saga
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The leader of the Ukrainian government confirmed that the delegation arrived at the border following President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to Poland to "negotiate and find a compromise" on the border blockade issue.
"President of Ukraine has put forth a platform for negotiation and finding a compromise to the Polish leaders, here, at the border. As equal partners and allies," announced Denys Shmyhal.
He further noted that a Ukrainian delegation was present at the border on Friday. "Regrettably, a meeting with the Polish officials did not occur today," he added.
The Prime Minister reminded that Ukraine has been grappling with a border blockade for the past six months, which is negatively impacting the Ukrainian economy.
"A month ago in Kyiv, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland is Ukraine's most significant and reliable ally in this crucial fight against evil. We agreed, a month ago, that blocking the border is harmful to both our nations and efforts should be taken to avoid such incidents. A month has passed, and we find ourselves back at this point, only with added clear provocations," penned Denys Shmyhal.
At last Thursday's press conference, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in response to Zelensky's call for a meeting between the two countries' governments at their shared border that was meant to take place before this Saturday—marking the second anniversary of a full-blown Russian invasion into Ukraine—assured that he understands Ukraine's plight and emotions. He declared that during his trip to Kyiv, it was agreed to restore the original format for Polish and Ukrainian government meetings.
Prime Minister appeals to the Polish people
In a separate statement on Friday afternoon, the Ukrainian Prime Minister addressed the people of Poland. He contends that his country has not exported grain to the Polish market for the past five months.
"Ukraine has stopped selling its corn, sunflowers, and rapeseed to the Polish market," he exclaimed.
He iterated that "Ukrainian grain merely transits through Poland." He emphasized that "the blockade affects Polish-Ukrainian trade in its entirety, the economies of both our nations. Not only is Ukraine bearing the brunt, but also Polish entrepreneurs who export goods worth £9.1 billion (rounded) to our market annually," he added.
