this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2023
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Before the pitchforks get handed out we should take a moment to remember that Poland has given more aid to Ukraine as a % of GDP than almost any other country. The only countries who have done more are Latvia and Estonia.
Yeah, it’s obvious this is about the grain (or)deal. It’s so unnerving of Ukraine to pull this shit tbf, and kinda dumb too since it’s quite obvious that pissing off people who are giving you resources isn’t very smart - to say the least
The grain "ordeal" prhoibits Ukraine from selling its grain. One of the most important exports and remaining bits of the economy. So while Putin is trying to stab them militarily, these countries are trying to hang them economically.
How is it Ukraine pulling shit and what are their alternatives? They can't sell grain to Europe, they can't sell grain overseas because of the Russian blockade.
The polish government does not care for Ukraine. The support was beneficial to harvest the strong (and justified) anti Russian sentiment. Now that things are going into the long run and the elections are up, they fuck Ukraine over so they get the domestic farmers vote and present it as standing up. Standing up to whom? The country already fighting off an invasion and barely getting by?
I bet, when the war is over Poland will demand to get "payed back" by Ukraine with a very high interest rate and try to ensure itself access to key economies and making Ukraine its bitch. Maybe the polish people care, but the polish government is only in for itself. Same goes for Slovakia and Hungary.
https://www.dw.com/en/ukrainian-grain-why-are-eastern-eu-members-banning-imports/a-66872238
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/04/polish-farmers-threaten-to-ruin-zelenskiy-visit-amid-grain-dispute
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/04/polish-farmers-threaten-to-ruin-zelenskiy-visit-amid-grain-dispute
This alongside most eastern members, so it clearly is more than just a "next election" move; surely that plays a part, as always, but the problem is objective and is there.
Ukraine economy is guaranteed by both EU and US, so they don't need to trade their grain in Europe.
From the article:
Accusing people that have been handing out resources to your country to be Moscow's shill is gaslighting and, frankly, pathetic.
Before the war Agriculture made up 12.2 % of Ukraines GDP. With the widespread destruction by Russia, it is probably up to something around 40%. From the 68 Billion $ export in 2021, 23 Billion were Agricultural goods. Now with the widespread destruction of the Ukrainian industry, Agricultural products make up probably more like 80% of the export.
This grain ban is tying the noose around the neck of Ukraine. Also the argument is interesting. Ukraine argues, that it needs to pass its products through Poland and the other countries to sell it on the world market. But in Poland and the other countries some of it gets diverted to be sold on the local market. So who is doing the diversion? The Ukrainians, or some local company seeking a quick profit?
Poland and the others could easily prevent the diversion of Ukrainian grain. Well they could if they werent corrupted to the core (Poland and Hungary).
Orban has been chilling for Putin and China quite extensively, but the PiS government doesnt care, because they align on reactionary social policies and corruption with Orbans Fidesz party. The criticism by Zelensky is justified, both from the fact that what remains of Ukraines economy is getting strangled, as well as the fact that this is benefiting Moscow and at least Orban wanting exactly that.
Wiki-Economy of Ukraine
Updated chart
Also: chart that shows the support in absolute numbers
This gives me a bit more faith in the Norwegian government, I knew we were sending a bit, but we're almost best in class by gdp :D
If the darker blue is total aid, why is it smaller than the "refugee costs only" bar? Or is the whole bar "total costs" and the darker blue bar is all aid aside from refugee costs?