WARSAW: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded two Polish volunteers state awards throughout a stopover on Saturday (Sep 23), however didn’t meet any officers as relations between the 2 nations are strained over grain imports.
Poland determined final week to increase a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, shaking Kyiv’s relationship with a neighbour that has been considered one of its staunchest allies since Russia invaded Ukraine in February final yr.
Poland’s prime minister informed Zelenskyy on Friday to not “insult” Poles, sustaining harsh rhetoric in direction of Kyiv forward of elections on Oct 15. The ruling Legislation and Justice (PiS) social gathering has been criticised by the far proper for what it says is the federal government’s subservient perspective to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy angered his neighbours when he informed the United Nations Basic Meeting in New York that Kyiv was working to protect land routes for grain exports, however that the “political theatre” round imports was solely serving to Moscow.
On Saturday, on his method again dwelling, he handed awards to Bianka Zalewska, a journalist who helped transport wounded youngsters to Polish hospitals, and Damian Duda, who gathered a medical group to assist wounded troopers close to the entrance line.
Zelenskyy thanked all Poles who “from the primary days opened their households, their properties, opened themselves up and helped”.
“I imagine that any challenges on our frequent path are nothing in comparison with the truth that there may be such power between our individuals”.
One of many award recipients, Duda, informed Reuters that Zelenskyy was very casual on the assembly like an previous good friend.
“For us, politics usually are not essential, what’s essential to us is to assist individuals who want it,” Duda mentioned.
The top of the Polish president’s Worldwide Coverage Workplace Marcin Przydacz informed Onet.pl web site his workplace didn’t obtain any proposal for a gathering throughout Zelenskyy’s keep in Poland.