EU States Call for Extension of Ban on Ukrainian Grain

Poland, along with four other EU member states (Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania), has requested an extension of trade curbs on Ukrainian grain due to concerns over Russia's blockage of Black Sea shipments, which could further pressure their domestic markets. These countries had previously restricted imports of Ukrainian grain in response to protests by their farmers about a grain glut. The demand for an extension of controls beyond mid-September is likely to face resistance from other member states. Poland's rightwing government, worried about losing farmer support ahead of a national election, has grown concerned about Ukrainian imports. Russia's decision to end its Black Sea grain deal adds pressure on Ukraine to find alternative export routes. The EU and the US have condemned Russia's move, while Poland and other EU countries close to Ukraine argue that Brussels has failed to guarantee that Ukrainian food exports would be sent to Africa and the Middle East rather than flooding domestic markets.