Volodymyr Zelensky is going to his great Polish ally this Wednesday, April 5. For the first time since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian president will be in Warsaw to discuss with the government of Poland. Martin Chabal, RFI correspondent in the country, explains why this moment is important for the two partners, between whom relations have been strained lately.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit on April 5 is highly symbolic, when we know how Poland is struggling to help its neighbor in the conflict with Russia, in particular by having opened its arms to millions of refugees…
This is one of the main reasons for the arrival of the Ukrainian president: to thank the Poles for their immeasurable help. And continue to reassure its compatriots in exile. We are talking about almost a million people who still benefit from the temporary protection of Poland. Volodymyr Zelensky should also meet Ukrainians directly at home or in the last accommodation centers that are still open in Warsaw. The others will be able to come and listen to the president’s message broadcast on a giant screen in the city center, where Polish and Ukrainian flags should be seen waving together.
► Also to listen : Poland wants to take care of Ukrainian children
This is a message that Poles are used to hearing. Joe Biden, the American president, had already thanked the gratitude of the Polish people when he came in February. But it seems important that the Ukrainian president himself comes to send this message, here, in Warsaw. The latest polls show that the positive attitude of Poles towards refugees is waning. Of course, it remains clearly above all the countries of Europe, but Volodymyr Zelensky’s message could stimulate the solidarity between Poles and Ukrainians.
In recent weeks, the discord around the influx of Ukrainian cereals in Poland has not helped to warm relations between the two countries…
This is a point that should be mentioned during the visit. Farmers have shown their anger in recent days because Ukrainian grain passes through Poland before being exported to Africa and the Middle East. But many of these goods are stuck in Poland and end up on the local market and this lowers the price of Polish products. According to farmers, aid to Ukraine penalizes their work and their daily life. Especially since inflation, which has been rising since the start of the war, is also attributed to the conflict in Ukraine.
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The government began a plan to end the crisis last week, because many farmers regularly blocked roads between Poland and Ukraine to prevent Ukrainian trucks loaded with grain from crossing the border. This is therefore an opportunity to sit down around a table and find a solution that would benefit both Poland and Ukraine.
► Read also : The countries bordering Ukraine, “forced” importers of cereals
We imagine that Volodymyr Zelensky should also tighten military relations with Poland a little more. ?
Since the start of the war, Poland has been at the forefront of military aid for its neighbour. She sent a lot of her own material. Recently, it has also transferred MiG-29 aircraft in Kyiv. It is the first country to have sent fighter planes to face the Russian invasion. She has done so long pressure on Germany to send Leopard tanks. This weekend of April 1-2, Ukraine also placed an order with Poland for 100 Rozomak military transport vehicles, which it will produce in the coming months.
Despite everything, many observers consider it unlikely that new contracts will be signed today. We are still expecting announcements about cooperation between the two countries. On the reconstruction of the country for example, but also on more burning subjects such as joining NATO and the European Unionwhere Poland has become a key player in recent months.