Poland and Romania Reject Ukraine’s Appeal for Grain Export Assistance

Ukraine is facing a critical challenge in exporting millions of tons of grain due to the ongoing blockade of the Black Sea by Russian forces. The country requires €1.1 billion to cover the increased costs of transporting grain through alternative routes, as farmers struggle to fund the planting of next season’s crops. Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky warned that without immediate assistance, farmers may reduce sown areas by 35-40%, exacerbating the agricultural crisis.

During a visit to Brussels, Vysotsky urged EU colleagues to support grain exports through Europe instead of the Black Sea. However, key neighboring countries, Poland and Romania, refused to assist. Romania cited overloaded ports due to low Danube water levels and prioritized its own farmers' interests. Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure stated it had no plans to increase the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.

The consequences of this blockade extend beyond Europe, as reduced exports could impact 17% of the global grain trade. Currently, less than half of Ukraine's exports can be transported via European rail, road, and river routes. If the blockade persists, up to 35 million tons of cargo could remain stuck in Ukraine this year.

Kyiv has proposed expanding the so-called "solidarity lines" to transport Ukrainian products through the EU, including to German and Dutch ports. However, these alternative routes significantly increase delivery costs, making them unsustainable for Ukrainian farmers without substantial financial support.