Ukraine's Zelensky calls on Polish leaders to meet at border to settle grain dispute

Polish farmers drive tractors in a convoy in Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland, on February 20, as they intensify a nationwide protest against the import of Ukrainian foods and European Union environmental policies. Czarek Sokolowski/AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to meet with him at the Polish-Ukrainian border to settle the grain dispute that has led to several blockades by farmers.“I would like to address Polish society and express Ukraine's gratitude to everyone who distinguishes between political manipulation and critical national security issues,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

He also called on the European Commission to send a representative to attend the meeting. “We have had enough of Moscow's presence in our lands. We have had enough of misunderstandings. We should not humiliate each other, we should not humiliate either Ukrainian or Polish farmers. We need unity,” he said. 

What's happening: Farmers in Poland have been blocking access routes to border crossings with Ukraine. They have vowed to continue their demonstrations, which started on February 9, for 30 days. Similar action has been taking place in a host of countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Romania, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands.

Why farmers are protesting: According to farmers, cheap Ukrainian grain imports have undercut domestic prices and hit the sales of local producers. European farmers cannot compete with the price of Ukrainian grain, they say, and have demanded compensation from the European Commission.

Ukraine is often called the “breadbasket of Europe” due to the vast quantities of grain it produces. When Russia blocked Ukrainian Black Sea ports, it sparked fears about global food supplies and prompted the European Commission to set up what it called “solidarity lanes” in May 2022 to facilitate exports. The commission also temporarily eliminated all duties and quotas on Ukraine’s exports, allowing a glut of cheap grain to flow into Europe.

Anger grew after the European Commission announced a draft decision to extend duty-free and quota-free imports of Ukrainian grain until June 2024.

CNN’s Christian Edwards, Alex Hardie and Antonia Mortensen contributed reporting.