Polish minister apologizes for spilled Ukrainian grain

Poland’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czeslaw Sekerski has apologized for the Ukrainian grain scattered by Polish farmers on the border. This is stated in his statement published on the website of the Polish Ministry.

“On behalf of the Polish farmers, I apologize for this act of desperation and ask for understanding of their extremely difficult situation. We are conducting technical negotiations with the Ministry of Agriculture of Ukraine, during which we want to determine the terms of trade that would limit the flow of goods that disrupt the stability of agri-food markets,” the minister said.

He acknowledged that the situation is tense and condemned the actions of the protesters, calling them “the wrong form of protest.”

“In my opinion, the farmers did not restrain their emotions, but it is worth remembering that they are in a very difficult economic situation. They have no money at the beginning of spring field work. I am a supporter of dialog and direct conversation as the best form of solving complex problems,” emphasized Sekersky.

He believes that solving the problems lies not only in Polish-Ukrainian relations, as the European Commission is responsible for the organization and rules of trade in the common European market.

At the same time, the District Prosecutor’s Office in Chełm (Lublin Voivodeship) has launched an investigation into the spillage of grain from Ukrainian trucks before moving to Dorohusk, Farmer reports.

The investigation was initiated under two articles – destruction of property and violation of customs security, which are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses and documenting evidence.

Also, Polish farmers started blocking traffic near the Korchova-Krakivets checkpoint at 14:00 today, February 13. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, citing their Polish counterparts, the picketers intend to block the movement of trucks heading to Ukraine for 1 hour. Passenger transport will not be blocked.

Tags: Ukraine, export, Poland, protests, restrictions