Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal yesterday condemned Poland's decision to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain exports to the European Union as a "hostile and populist move".
"During this critical time, Poland intends to continue blocking the export of Ukrainian grain to the EU. This is a hostile and populist move that will seriously affect global food security and the economy of Ukraine," Shmihal announced on his Twitter account.
Five Central European countries want the European Union's ban on grain imports from Ukraine to be extended at least until the end of the year. The ban expires on September 15.
Poland will not lift the ban on September 15 even if the EU does not agree to its extension, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday.
Shmyhal called on Ukraine's partners and the European Commission to ensure the smooth export of all agricultural products from Ukraine to the EU.
"This is an act of solidarity not only with Ukraine, but also with the world, which relies on our grain," he said.
Maintaining exports is important for Ukraine, especially after Russia abandoned an agreement that allowed safe transport of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea, causing food prices to soar.
Agricultural exports are key to Ukraine's economy and represented about 12% of gross domestic product before the Russian invasion in February 2022, and about 60% of total exports.
In May, the European Union allowed Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, corn, canola and sunflower seeds, but allowed transit of such cargoes for export to other countries.
The countries include some of Kiev's staunchest supporters in the war against Moscow, but officials say inflows of cheaper Ukrainian grain have hurt their agricultural sectors.
Solidarity with Ukraine is important, but national grain markets must be protected, Slovakia's agriculture minister said on Wednesday after a meeting of central European agriculture ministers in Warsaw.
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