Fresh barriers between countries threaten the whole of Europe, – Zelensky on grain export ban

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European countries not to erect barriers but to strengthen ties between countries.

“The longest peace and reliable security in Europe was ensured by building ties between the peoples of Europe instead of barriers reflecting one or another national selfishness. When we now see any fresh barriers that are so reminiscent of old mistakes – whether barriers in politics or barriers in trade policy – instead of strengthening our ties, we see a threat not to one European nation, but to the whole of Europe,” he said during a speech at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen on Sunday.

The President of Ukraine addressed the Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki. “Mateusz! Any seeds of misunderstanding between anyone in Europe should not give rise to conflict! This is in the fundamental interests of our nations. Europe gains strength and prosperity every time there is a minus barrier on the continent,” he said.

Earlier, Poland and other Eastern European countries banned imports of Ukrainian grain and other food products.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, EU, restrictions