Grain is the second most sensitive issue in Poland after historical disputes

The issue of Ukrainian grain remains one of the most sensitive in relations between Ukraine and Poland, second only to historical disputes in terms of tensions. Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar said the agricultural issue remains highly emotional for Polish society.

According to him, tensions escalated sharply in 2023, when some Ukrainian grain intended for transit entered the Polish market. This triggered discontent among local farmers, protests and border blockades. The restrictions affected not only Ukrainian businesses but also Polish producers exporting their products to Ukraine.

The ban on Ukrainian grain entering the Polish market remains in place, while transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Poland continues. Ukraine is interested in increasing grain shipments to Polish ports for further exports to global markets.

Bodnar noted that expanding transit would also benefit Poland by generating business for transport companies, carriers and port terminals. According to him, some Polish farmers who previously participated in border blockades are now interested in negotiations and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Ukraine and Poland are currently working on a framework that would speed up the movement of agricultural cargo across the border and make more efficient use of existing logistics infrastructure. Bodnar stressed that given the sensitivity of the grain issue, agreements should first be negotiated before mutually acceptable solutions are publicly announced.

Tags: grain, Poland, Ukraine