Ambassador Bodnar: 80% of 'problems' between Ukraine and Poland in agricultural sector are artificial
Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"Today, we have a new quality in our relations: we have matured, we perceive each other as equals, seriously. We understand the weight of each state in the world and realize where we can be useful to each other, where we should cooperate, and where we are competitors—and we need to speak about this openly. This includes cooperation in the agricultural sector. It is quite a sensitive topic both in Poland and Ukraine," the Ukrainian diplomat stressed.
He noted that last year there was no blocking of the joint border, unlike in 2023–2024, thanks to an established systematic and continuous dialogue between the Ministries of Agriculture.
"Almost every month there were either online or in-person meetings that allowed us to show the real picture of trade in various goods, compare statistics, and resolve problems that seemed impossible to solve. More than that: 80% of the 'problems' practically do not exist. They were invented, exaggerated through speculation, media coverage, or attempts to create conflicts between producers from Ukraine and Poland. Meanwhile, 20% of the cases are real problems that can be resolved," he emphasized.
Bodnar reported that in the first three quarters of last year, trade between Ukraine and Poland increased by 7.7% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $13 billion.
"In particular, imports from Poland to Ukraine amounted to $9.3 billion, and from Ukraine to Poland – $3.7 billion. The total includes defense industry products. The overall volume of mutual trade for last year may reach $16–17 billion," the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland noted.
He pointed out that Ukraine purchases many products from Poland related to functioning during wartime. This includes fuel, gas, and electricity, which are now supplied from Poland to Ukraine in significant volumes.
As Ukrinform reported, Warsaw is preparing the 47th package of military aid for Ukraine worth EUR 220–230 million, which is expected in Ukraine in the coming months.
