Poland no longer supplying weapons to Ukraine amid grain row

Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine, has announced that it will cease supplying weapons to Ukraine due to a diplomatic dispute over Kyiv’s grain exports. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated that Poland’s primary focus now is to enhance its own defense capabilities with modern weaponry. Poland had previously provided Ukraine with 320 Soviet-era tanks and 14 MiG-29 fighter jets, leaving little more to offer.

These remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries. Poland summoned Ukraine’s ambassador following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments at the United Nations, where he criticized Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia for extending a ban on Ukrainian grain exports. Warsaw considered Zelensky’s words unjustified, given Poland’s historical support for Ukraine.

Morawiecki emphasized that Poland remains committed to helping Ukraine counter the “Russian barbarian” threat by maintaining a military hub. However, Poland is unwilling to risk destabilization of its markets through grain imports. The country’s military hardware has been depleted by approximately one-third due to transfers to Ukraine, and it is currently replacing these with modern Western-produced equipment. Some arms exports to Ukraine will continue, such as the planned delivery of about 60 Krab artillery weapons by Polish manufacturer PGZ.

Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party has intensified its rhetoric in the lead-up to a contentious election campaign and has championed the cause of Polish farmers concerned about Ukrainian grain imports.

The dispute over grain imports led to temporary bans in several European countries, although the EU chose not to renew the ban. Nevertheless, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland have maintained their bans. Ukraine filed lawsuits with the World Trade Organization against these countries, alleging violations of international obligations. Slovakia and Ukraine have since agreed to set up a grain license system, while Poland has indicated its intent to continue the ban.

Despite the trade dispute, these three countries still allow the transportation of Ukrainian grain through their territories to other markets. The French Foreign Minister noted that Ukrainian grain imports would not severely impact European farmers and expressed regret over the tensions.

Poland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, urging other countries to provide military assistance, pledging fighter jets, and welcoming Ukrainian refugees.