Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine, has announced it will cease supplying weapons to Ukraine amid a diplomatic dispute over grain. This decision came in response to escalating tensions between the two nations, triggered by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments at the UN. Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, made the announcement in a televised address, emphasizing Poland’s intention to focus on arming itself with more modern weapons.
The grain dispute originated from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted the main Black Sea shipping lanes, forcing Ukraine to seek alternative overland routes for its grain exports. This led to significant quantities of grain ending up in central Europe. Consequently, the European Union temporarily banned grain imports into five countries, including Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, to protect local farmers who feared that Ukrainian grain was depressing local prices.
The EU ban on grain imports ended on September 15, but Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland chose to maintain the ban. Ukraine responded by filing lawsuits with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against these countries, alleging a violation of international obligations. Despite the ban, these countries have stated that they will still allow the transit of grain through their territories to other markets.
Poland’s stance on retaining the grain ban prompted concerns, with Poland warning of further actions if Ukraine escalates the dispute. France’s Foreign Minister, Catherina Colonna, mentioned that an EU study showed Ukrainian grain imports would not severely impact European farmers and described the tensions as “regrettable.” Poland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, providing military aid, pledging fighter jets, and welcoming refugees from Ukraine.
