Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has declared that Poland will cease sending weapons to Ukraine, shifting its focus towards strengthening its defense capabilities. This announcement came shortly after Warsaw summoned the Ukrainian ambassador amid a dispute over grain exports.
Morawiecki explained, “We are no longer providing arms to Ukraine because we are now equipping Poland with more advanced weaponry.” This decision raised questions about Poland’s continued support for Ukraine, considering the ongoing grain export disagreement.
Poland has steadfastly supported Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and has been a significant supplier of weaponry to Kyiv. Additionally, Poland has provided refuge to approximately one million Ukrainian refugees who have received various government assistance.
Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv erupted due to Poland’s ban on Ukrainian grain imports aimed at safeguarding its own farmers’ interests, and these tensions have recently escalated.
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In his address to the UN General Assembly, Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused certain European nations of indirectly aiding Russia through their stance on grain exports. Zelenskiy expressed concern, stating, “It is alarming to see how some in Europe play out solidarity in a political theater – making a thriller from the grain. They may seem to play their role, but they are helping set the stage for a Moscow actor.”
Morawiecki subsequently cautioned Ukraine’s authorities, suggesting that if the conflict escalates, Poland might extend the import ban from Ukraine to additional products. He emphasized the destabilization of Poland’s farming industry and the need to protect Polish farmers.
The disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has redirected grain shipping away from Black Sea routes to the EU, making it a significant transit and export destination for Ukrainian grain.
In May, the EU imposed restrictions on grain imports, limiting them to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to protect local farmers who attributed declining prices to the imports. These measures allowed products to pass through these countries but prevented them from being sold on their local markets.
However, on Friday, the European Commission announced the end of the import ban, citing the disappearance of market distortions in the five bordering member states. Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia immediately expressed their intent to defy this decision.
The issue is susceptible in Poland due to upcoming elections next month, as the ruling populist right-wing Law and Justice party enjoys strong support in farming regions.
Kyiv responded to warnings from Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia by announcing its intention to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Poland’s foreign ministry responded by stating that applying pressure in multilateral forums or submitting complaints to international courts were inappropriate methods to resolve differences between the two countries. In turn, Kyiv urged Warsaw to adopt a “constructive” approach and set aside emotions in the dispute.
