Russia-Ukraine war live: Kyiv-Warsaw talks ‘set for coming days’ after Poland says it will halt arms supplies

Kyiv-Warsaw talks ‘set for coming days’ after Poland says it will stop sending weapons

Here’s more from AFP on the ongoing dispute between Ukraine and Poland over grain exports:

Kyiv said it would hold talks with Warsaw in the coming days over an escalating dispute on Ukrainian grain exports, as the neighbours reiterated their “close” ties.

Poland – which holds parliamentary elections next month – has extended an embargo on Ukrainian grain, going against a European Commission decision to end the restrictions.

The issue has led to a diplomatic spat between the allies during the Russian invasion.

Kyiv’s agriculture ministry said in a statement:

The next negotiations will take place in the coming days, during which the issues prepared by both sides will be discussed.

It said Ukrainian agriculture minister Mykola Solsky held a telephone conversation with his Polish counterpart Robert Telus.

The statement read:

The ministers discussed the situation as well as Ukraine’s proposal for its settlement, and agreed to find a solution that takes into account the interests of both countries.

It added that “the parties confirmed the close and constructive relations”.

Ukraine has filed a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation against its three EU neighbours – Poland, Slovakia and Hungary – over the bans on Ukrainian grain.

Warsaw holds parliamentary elections next month. Its populist right-wing government has strong support in agricultural regions and has presented the ban as protecting Polish farmers.

Earlier, Poland’s prime minister said his country would no longer send arms to Ukraine in order to focus on its own defence, a few hours after Warsaw summoned Kyiv’s ambassador amid a row over grain exports.