kravietz 🦇 on Nostr: What's up with the #Poland and other EU countries' embargo on grain from #Ukraine? ...
What's up with the #Poland and other EU countries' embargo on grain from #Ukraine? From what I understand, the grain deal was for *transit* from Ukraine to third countries and it worked well until some "smart" businessmen in Ukraine and EU realized they can earn much more and faster by selling the grain right on spot in the "transit" countries, like Poland. Which of course angered local farmers, as it was dumping and violation of the agreement.
Both Duda and Zelensky need to maintain a delicate balance as they are both pressed by their respective farming lobbies. Which is likely the reason why Ukraine's economy minister declared an embargo on some Polish foods in response.
The topic is divisive in both Poland and Ukraine, but as I'm reading Ukrainian military channels, this comment from 25th Separate Airborne Brigade caught my attention. They simply replied to their minister's announcement with a simple "oh what a dickhead". In the comments there was more criticism of their government heating up the situation — based on economic competition — while they in their trenches largely depend on Poland's support.
I think foreign relations imply slightly more complex interaction than simple "like or don't like", so I'm fully convinced Poland and Ukraine can at the same time argue about grain *and* cooperate in military sphere. Still, countries don't have friends, they have interests, and we need to learn how to protect our interests in a way that won't be divisive and incendiary. And yes, both Poles and Ukrainians culturally have a tendency for playing zero-sum games.
Source: https://t.me/Airborne1126/7564
Both Duda and Zelensky need to maintain a delicate balance as they are both pressed by their respective farming lobbies. Which is likely the reason why Ukraine's economy minister declared an embargo on some Polish foods in response.
The topic is divisive in both Poland and Ukraine, but as I'm reading Ukrainian military channels, this comment from 25th Separate Airborne Brigade caught my attention. They simply replied to their minister's announcement with a simple "oh what a dickhead". In the comments there was more criticism of their government heating up the situation — based on economic competition — while they in their trenches largely depend on Poland's support.
I think foreign relations imply slightly more complex interaction than simple "like or don't like", so I'm fully convinced Poland and Ukraine can at the same time argue about grain *and* cooperate in military sphere. Still, countries don't have friends, they have interests, and we need to learn how to protect our interests in a way that won't be divisive and incendiary. And yes, both Poles and Ukrainians culturally have a tendency for playing zero-sum games.
Source: https://t.me/Airborne1126/7564