2024-02-28 21:08 update: 2024-02-29, 14:52
Fot. PAP/Albert Zawada
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, has said the Polish-Ukrainian border could be closed to Ukrainian commercial traffic.
His announcement came amid nationwide protests by Polish farmers against the inflow of cheap Ukrainian produce which, they claim, is undermining their markets.
"We are talking with Ukraine about completely closing the border to the trade in goods," Tusk told a press conference on Wednesday, adding that this would be a temporary and "painful" solution for both sides.
He said the measure would be on the agenda of his talks with Polish farmers scheduled for Thursday, adding that Poland has a trade surplus with Ukraine.
"I am ready to take tough decisions when it comes to the border with Ukraine, always in consultation with Kyiv, so that there are no unnecessary tensions. But we must find a long-term solution," Tusk said.
The dispute has caused friction between Poland and Ukraine despite the strong bonds between the two countries formed by Russia invasion.
Kyiv has accused the farmers, who have blockaded crossings on the Polish-Ukrainian border, of hurting its ability to defend itself. Warsaw, while expressing sympathy for Ukraine, has said it has to protect the interests of its farming sector.
Tusk also said that during a meeting with farmers on Thursday he would talk about possible grain subsidies and other measures that would allow them to sell Polish grain as quickly as possible.
According to Tusk, the Polish government can help in the purchase of grain to make it more attractive in terms of prices than Ukrainian grain. (PAP)
mr/md/jch
