Poland and Romania Reject Aid for Ukraine's Grain Exports

Ukraine is facing a critical situation with its grain exports due to the ongoing Russian blockade of Black Sea ports. The country needs assistance to export millions of tons of grain and €1.1 billion to cover increased transportation costs. Without these measures, financially struggling farmers may not be able to start planting for the next season, exacerbating the problem further.

Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky visited Brussels to discuss alternative export routes through Europe. However, Poland and Romania, the two countries with the most infrastructure to help, have refused to assist. Romania prioritized its own farmers, citing overloaded ports due to Ukrainian grain surplus and low Danube water levels. Poland stated it has no plans to increase the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.

The consequences of this situation could extend beyond Europe. If the blockade continues, up to 35 million tons of cargo could be stuck in Ukraine this year, affecting more than 17% of the global grain trade volume. Currently, less than half of Ukrainian exports can be sent via European rail, road, and river routes.

Ukraine has proposed expanding the so-called "solidarity lines" to transport products through the EU, including to ports in Germany and the Netherlands. However, these routes significantly increase delivery costs, which Ukrainian farmers cannot afford without substantial losses.