Poland unblocks the border with Ukraine - but not completely: who will be allowed to cross

Poland will include sections of highways and railways leading to checkpoints on the border with Ukraine in the list of critical infrastructure facilities. In this way, the country intends to provide a 100% guarantee that military and humanitarian aid will reach Ukraine without any delays.

This was announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, according to Polish Radio. He noted that border crossings will be included in the list of critical infrastructure facilities in the near future.

"The prime minister said that in the coming hours the border crossings with Ukraine will be added to the list of critical infrastructure. This decision will improve the transportation of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine," the statement said.

Ukraine and Poland to hold talks on border blockade

However, there is no talk of completely unblocking the border. Thus, Tusk explained that the decision being prepared on border crossings "will mean a different type of organizational regime at border crossings and on access roads and routes to the border with Ukraine."

At the same time, he called for separating the issue of "direct support for Ukraine and protection of Polish farmers and the Polish market from the negative effects of trade liberalization with Ukraine." In other words, he actually gave the go-ahead for the local farmers to continue blockading the border.

However, there is progress in the situation: negotiations are scheduled for March 28 in Warsaw. Representatives of the governments will take part in them. At the same time, the Polish authorities refused to hold talks at the border.

"It is better to hold these talks at the technical level so that the government meeting has no symbolic value, because we do not need symbolism in our relations. The whole world sees how determined we are to help Ukraine, and there is no need for further bright gestures of solidarity," Tusk said.

At the same time, he emphasized that to resolve the issue, "we need concrete proposals on the market and agriculture." Which, he said, requires hard work.

Poles insist on resolving the issue on their own terms

At the same time, the Polish prime minister emphasized that technical negotiations at the EU level are needed to find a solution. To this end, he intends to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss changes in the terms of trade with Ukraine.

However, Tusk noted: "Poland sees the solution to the issue in satisfying its interests. This, he said, will be sought from both Ukraine and the EU.

"I want to assure you that negotiations with Ukraine are ongoing. We have good relations, although there is a difference in interests. ... We will persuade both Kyiv and Brussels to agree with the Polish point of view on the situation. ... We have warned about the threat posed by trade liberalization with Ukraine. Poland has to protect its market," he summarized.

As OBOZ.UA reported, for his part, Danylo Hetmantsev (Servant of the People), chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy, said that by blocking the border, the Poles are "shooting themselves in the foot" - in 2023, Poland exported $12.3 billion worth of goods to Ukraine and imported $6.6 billion worth of goods from Ukraine.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!