Ukraine Seeks Compromise in Exporting Grain, Blockade on EU Market Is Unacceptable – Zelenskyy

Monday, 24 July 2023

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a meeting on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products amid Poland's intentions to close the border for Ukrainian grain from 15 September, when restrictions established by the European Commission expire.

The president noted on his Telegram channel that Ukraine "believes in agreements with the European Commission," but is preparing for any development of events regarding the export of Ukrainian grain.

"Our position is clear: blocking exports by land after 15 September, when the relevant restrictions cease to operate, is in no way unacceptable. We are in touch with all stakeholders to find a solution that suits everyone," he said.

Last week, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki threatened not to open the border with Ukraine for grain products after the relevant moratorium of the European Commission expires on 15 September.

In response, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called Poland's plans to block the export of Ukrainian grain an "unfriendly and populist" step.

Earlier, five Central European EU members – Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia – planned to jointly request the European Union to extend the ban on importing Ukrainian grain after 15 September.

Central European countries fear that Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative could lead to an increase in grain flows and the emergence of "bottlenecks" in these five countries.

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