Ukraine and Poland discuss options for grain transit to European ports

Ukraine and Poland are discussing opportunities to expand the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Polish territory to European seaports. The issue was addressed during talks between Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Denys Bashlyk and Polish Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Małgorzata Gromadzka. The discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted grain transportation, transparency of transit operations and protecting the interests of agricultural producers in both countries.

Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea has significantly restricted agricultural exports, while alternative logistics routes can handle only around 50% of the required transportation volumes. This situation creates risks of grain stock accumulation, reduced production and shrinking planted areas. Expanding transit through Poland is seen as one way to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on Black Sea logistics.

The Ukrainian side emphasized that it is interested exclusively in transiting grain to third countries without selling it on the domestic Polish market. This approach is intended to provide additional opportunities for Ukrainian exporters while minimizing risks for Polish farmers. According to Denys Bashlyk, Ukraine has already held preliminary discussions with Poland’s Ministry of Infrastructure on organizing such shipments.

The next stage will involve consultations with relevant ministries, agricultural associations and business representatives from both countries. The Polish side confirmed its readiness to continue the dialogue, stressing the need to agree in advance on the agenda and participants of the upcoming meeting. The talks are expected to address transit arrangements, cargo flow monitoring and measures to ensure transparency in transportation.

Following the discussions, Ukraine and Poland agreed to continue preparations for a bilateral meeting in Warsaw. The Ukrainian delegation plans to present the current situation in the agricultural sector, the impact of Black Sea export restrictions on international food markets and proposals for ensuring stable grain transit through Polish territory.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, grain export, EU, Poland, blocking ports