Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Criticizes Polish Border Protests
Disruption of Traffic
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the ongoing protests by Polish farmers that have disrupted traffic in and out of Ukraine, calling it a “mockery” and urging for rational decisions to restore normal cross-border traffic.
Escalating Blockades
Polish protesters have vowed to escalate their blockades of the border on Tuesday, as talks are set to be held with European Union officials in Brussels to resolve the issues linked to the protests.
Political Dispute
Zelenskiy expressed his frustration with the dispute over ecological and trade issues, stating that it appeared absurd from the perspective of the northeastern Kupiansk region, where he visited frontline areas facing difficulties from Russian attacks in the nearly two-year-old war. He emphasized the need for joint and rational decisions to resolve the situation.
Impact on Defense Capabilities
Deputy Infrastructure Minister Serhiy Derkach highlighted the direct effect of the blockades on Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as humanitarian aid and fuel were not getting through due to the disruptions.
Support and Solidarity
Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and hoped that the protests could be organized in a way that minimizes the burden on citizens. The farmers’ Solidarity trade union planned further blockades of roads throughout Poland until March 10.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanyshina revealed that talks would be held with EU officials to address the issues arising from the protests.
Ukrainian railways reported that trains were operating normally across the border a day after police and rail workers broke up a blockade that had halted one cross-border service.
Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubarkov held talks with the head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, to address the situation.
Farmers in France, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Germany have also been protesting against constraints placed on them by EU measures to tackle climate change, as well as rising costs and unfair competition from abroad.
Polish farmers have been particularly vocal about the impact of cheap food imports from Ukraine.
The ongoing protests have led to disruptions in passenger and freight traffic, affecting both Ukraine and Poland.
The situation has raised concerns about the impact on defense capabilities due to the disruption of essential supplies.
