Polish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik has strongly criticized Ukraine over its threats of a trade war against Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.
In a scathing statement, she accused Ukraine of displaying a lack of respect despite the significant aid and support it has received from Poland.
“They have no shame, nor any limits to their brazenness. Ukraine is now threatening us… with a trade war! This is not a joke,” Zajączkowska-Hernik said, reacting to comments made by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Taras Kachka, who warned of potential retaliatory actions in response to bans on Ukrainian imports.
The MEP highlighted that this is not the first time Ukraine has taken such steps, recalling a previous complaint filed against Poland at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over agricultural embargoes. She expressed frustration that, despite Poland’s extensive support—including military aid, humanitarian assistance, and hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees—Poland has received “nothing, except threats and disrespect” in return.
“And this is not the first time—1.5 years ago, Ukraine filed a complaint against us with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the extension of the embargo on Ukrainian agricultural products. They consistently show us a lack of respect and completely disregard the enormous assistance they have received from Poland, thanks to which they still exist as a state.”
Zajączkowska-Hernik warned that Ukraine is exploiting Poland’s perceived weakness in foreign policy and called for a more assertive approach based on national interests. “It’s high time for a strong, assertive foreign policy,” she declared.
