Polish President Andrzej Duda said that blocking the border with Ukraine is not a political decision of the government, and they cannot prohibit farmers from protesting.

In an interview with Ukrainian Radio, he said that European farmers are "afraid for their existence" because of the huge influx of Ukrainian agricultural products to EU markets.

"This is a really complicated problem, because the problem with Ukrainian food has existed from the very beginning. It started because of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Because let's remember that it is Russia's aggression against Ukraine that is to blame for everything, not anyone else," Duda said.

The Polish president noted that his country has never closed its doors to agricultural products from Ukraine.

"Poland has closed its domestic market to Ukrainian grain due to the crisis in this market and a sharp drop in prices for products, agricultural products, including grain, but it has not blocked the possibility of grain transit through Poland," Duda said.

The politician noted that agricultural trade unions act independently of the government, and blocking the border is not a decision of the Polish government.

"I'm sorry that such situations have arisen, but on the other hand, I also ask you to remember that Poland is a democratic country where the right to protest simply exists and is guaranteed by the Constitution. If there is a legitimate protest, this protest is simply tolerated and protected," he said.

Asked whether Poland's position on Ukraine's European integration has changed, the Polish president said that Ukraine has support, but its accession should be subject to certain "rules." 

"Ukraine is supported and, I hope, will be supported. Because I said that we should not allow Russia to win this war. But I hope that Ukraine's future membership in the European Union will be settled on such terms of accession that will also responsibly protect the markets of European countries," Duda added.