“Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult time now”: Solsky makes statement over Poland’s decision on Ukrainian grain

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, headed by Mykola Solsky, has stated that it stands for open, constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the Association and Free Trade Agreements between Ukraine and the EU amid Poland’s decision to ban imports of Ukrainian grain.

The statement was published by the agency’s press service.

“We understand that Polish farmers are facing a difficult situation, but we emphasize that Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult situation. It is on the territory of Ukraine that the war is going on, it is Ukrainian farmers who are suffering enormous losses from Russia’s war against Ukraine, and it is Ukrainian farmers who are dying in their fields from Russian mines. At the same time, Ukrainian agricultural producers are sympathetic to the needs of their Polish colleagues, hope for mutual understanding and expect a constructive dialogue to make an agreed decision,” the ministry said.

They emphasize that Warsaw’s decisions contradict the agreements reached. The parties have recently agreed that 4 crops: wheat, corn, sunflower seeds and rapeseed will be exported through Poland only in transit until July 1, 2023.

Subsequently, they agreed on other details and the text of the memorandum of understanding.

“At present, solving various issues by unilateral drastic actions will not accelerate a positive resolution of the situation. We emphasize that there should be no misunderstandings between our states and business entities,” the Ministry of Agrarian Policy said.

The ministry said it openly offers its Polish colleagues to agree on a new memorandum of understanding that will take into account the interests of both parties. Ukraine is also ready to conduct a thorough investigation into the abuses that may have taken place in this matter and led to the current situation.

Tags: Ukraine, export, grain, Poland, restrictions