KIEV: President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday (24 July) that the September extension of the European Union’s ban on Ukraine’s grain imports is “unacceptable”.
The five Central European countries hope to extend the EU ban at least until the end of the year. The ban is set to expire on September 15th.
“Our position is clear: blocking (Ukrainian) land exports after September 15, when the relevant restrictions expire, is unacceptable in any way,” he told messaging app Telegram.
The Polish prime minister said last week that he would not lift the ban on Sept. 15, even if the EU did not agree to an extension.
“We believe in an agreement with the European Commission, but we are prepared for all scenarios,” Zelensky said.
He added that although the country is not a member of the EU, it wants to do so and is in contact with all stakeholders to find solutions that are suitable for everyone.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmykhal last week called on his partners in Kiev and the executive branch of the European Commission to ensure the smooth export of all Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/extension-ban-grain-exports-ukraine-eu-would-be-unacceptable-zelenskyy-3651146 Zelensky says extension of Ukraine grain export ban to EU ‘unacceptable’