Shmyhal: We are making progress in lifting the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border

The governments of Ukraine and Poland are making progress in lifting the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border. The plan to de-block the border is being implemented, but not as fast as we would like, but there are positive trends that are important to maintain and move forward. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal following a meeting with the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, UNN reports.

Details

Poland has included border crossing points and adjacent roads in the list of critical infrastructure facilities. We did the same. Today, I can say that we are making progress in lifting the blockade, but most importantly in resolving all the critical issues that lead to all blockades. Our plan is being implemented, but not as fast as we would like. But we definitely have positive trends and positive dynamics. It is important to maintain this momentum and move forward

He noted that the blockade of the Ukrainian border by certain Polish groups certainly harms the Polish economy, the Ukrainian economy, and the EU economy as a whole.

Thanks to the Defense Forces, Ukraine has unblocked the Black Sea. This year, out of the 17 million tons that Ukraine has exported in agricultural exports this year, only 2 million tons are transported by land across our western border. The rest goes either by sea or through the Danube ports. But the water corridor is very sensitive to the security situation, so we continue to need ways of solidarity. Our governments share a common understanding of the importance of this project, as well as a common understanding that border issues need to be addressed comprehensively

The Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine had proposed certain steps to unblock the border.

Today, Ukrainian grain does not enter the Polish market. Our government has introduced a verification procedure for 4 Ukrainian agricultural crops: corn, rapeseed, sunflower, and wheat. No exports of these categories can be made without a license. We are not issuing such permits now. We will issue them only upon joint agreement with the Polish government, and this is the first element of our cooperation and the first step on our part

Recall

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is on a visit to Polandwhere he has already met with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk and plans to discuss weapons for Ukraine, the situation on the border, trade, and infrastructure to find effective solutions.