**Poland’s President Criticizes Ukraine and Allies Over Aid Deliveries**
Outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda has fired a shot at Kyiv and its allies, saying they have an “attitude problem” when it comes to Poland’s role in the pro-Ukraine coalition. The criticism comes as tensions between Poland and Ukraine continue to rise due to disagreements over grain imports and historical grievances.
In a recent interview, President Duda expressed frustration with what he sees as Ukraine’s assumption that Polish infrastructure, including the Rzeszow airport and highways, belong to them. “I think the Ukrainians, along with our allies, seem to believe that the Rzeszow airport and our highways somehow belong to them, as if they were theirs. But they’re not. They are ours,” he said.
The Rzeszow-Jasionka airport is a critical hub for Western aid bound for Ukraine, transporting around 90% of all aid in 2024, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. President Duda’s comments suggest that Poland feels undervalued and excluded from key international discussions on aid deliveries through its territory.
This latest development adds to the growing list of strains between Poland and Ukraine. While Poland has been a steadfast ally to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the two countries have faced disagreements over grain imports, historical grievances, and more recently, Poland’s exclusion from talks on aid deliveries.
**Poland Seeks Greater Control Over Aid Deliveries**
President Duda’s comments suggest that Poland wants greater control over the aid delivery process through its territory. He has called for talks with Western allies like Germany and the United States to ensure that Poland’s interests are taken into account. “We need to have the courage to talk to the Germans and the Americans,” he said.
This shift in tone reflects a growing assertiveness from Poland, which feels undervalued as an ally to Ukraine. By pushing for greater control over aid deliveries, President Duda hopes to secure a more prominent role for Poland in the international response to the conflict in Ukraine.
**Implications for Ukraine and International Community**
The implications of President Duda’s comments are significant, not only for Poland but also for Ukraine and the international community as a whole. If left unaddressed, this growing tension could undermine cooperation between Poland and Ukraine at a critical moment when both countries face common threats from Russia.
In the words of President Duda, “If someone doesn’t like it, we’ll close [the airport] and goodbye.” This stark warning underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve these differences. As tensions continue to rise between Poland and Ukraine, one thing is clear: a new era of Polish assertiveness has begun.
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