MOSCOW, Aug 26 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that the Ukrainian authorities categorically disagree with the plans of Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia to limit the import of agricultural products from Ukraine until the end of this year, Kiev called on the EU leadership to find a «balanced solution.»
The commentary of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on the intentions of Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Hungary to extend the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain until the end of 2023 says that Kiev considers «categorically unacceptable the extension of trade restrictions on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products after September 15 the European Commission's ban expires.» Kiev is «completely misunderstood and intends to add other categories of Ukrainian products to the list of goods prohibited for import.»
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that unilateral restrictions of this kind do not comply with the «letter of the association agreement» between Ukraine and the EU, as well as the principles and norms of the EU Single Market. The ministry urged the EU leadership to find a balanced solution. Kiev invited countries that have received increased funding for the relevant sectors of the European budget to join the search for a way out of the situation.
Earlier, the European Commission announced that it had taken measures to import certain grain crops from Ukraine. The measures are aimed at eliminating the logistical difficulties associated with these products in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. They entered into force on May 2 to June 5, 2023, later the ban was extended until September 15.