Poland and Romania refuse to aid Ukraine in grain exports

Ukraine has requested assistance from neighboring countries to facilitate grain exports through Europe following a blockade of its Black Sea ports. However, Poland and Romania have declined the request, citing concerns over their domestic agriculture sectors. Ukrainian Agrarian Policy Minister Taras Vysotskyi traveled to Brussels to seek support from EU counterparts, asking for permission to increase the volume of agricultural exports and 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to cover higher transportation costs.

Vysotskyi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that unsold grain and oilseeds are piling up in Ukraine, leaving farmers without funds to sow winter crops. He warned that if the blockade persists until spring, there could be a 35-40% reduction in planted areas. Romanian Agriculture Minister Barna Tánczos noted that the transportation of Ukrainian grain through his country, combined with low water levels on the Danube, has overloaded Romanian ports, making it difficult to sell Romanian farmers' produce.

Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure also declined to increase the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products. Meanwhile, Turkiye and the United Nations have organized new talks with Ukraine and Russia to potentially recreate the 2022 'grain deal' that guaranteed safe shipping in the Black Sea. The initiative follows Russia's withdrawal from the deal in July 2023 after an explosion on the Crimean Bridge.