Ukraine and Poland agreed on grain: all the results of important talks in Warsaw.

Ukraine and Poland held talks at the level of prime ministers. The topics included Polish farmers blocking the border and trade in the agricultural sector. Among the results is an agreement that Poland will issue licenses to Ukraine to import four types of crops into its territory.

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This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He noted that it is, in particular, about:

• corn;
• rapeseed;
• sunflower;
• wheat.

"Export of these categories is not possible without a license. We do not issue such documents or permits now. We will issue them only upon joint agreement with the Polish government," the statement said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine agreed to the restrictions to reach a compromise. "To ensure that agricultural exports from Ukraine do not pose even a theoretical threat to Polish agricultural producers," the Prime Minister explained.

How the negotiations went

In general, he noted, as a result of the talks, Ukraine expects, in particular, "concrete responses to the proposed steps" from Poland. Most of which, however, "have already been implemented."

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"We held another round of Ukrainian-Polish governmental consultations. We discussed many issues of mutual interest in our cooperation. We paid a lot of attention to complex topics: the situation at the border and trade in the agricultural sector. We understand how we will move forward. We expect concrete responses from Poland to the steps we have proposed. Most of them have already been implemented," the statement said.

The border issue needs to be resolved

At the same time, the Prime Minister assured that both Ukraine and Poland understand that the border issue needs to be resolved. And it should be done comprehensively.

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"Ukraine needs 'ways of solidarity'. Our governments share a common understanding of the importance of this project. As well as a common understanding that border issues need to be addressed comprehensively. Ukraine has proposed specific steps for this," he said.

Trade liberalization is a priority

However, Shmyhal emphasized that "the issue of continuing trade liberalization" is of primary importance. In particular, the ability of Ukrainian producers to continue supplying their products to the EU without duties and tariffs.

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Ban on Russian products

At the same time, the Prime Minister noted, Ukraine also expects the European Commission to ban the transit and export of goods from Russia and Belarus. In addition, an "agreement on joint control at checkpoints" is expected to be agreed upon.

"Russian and Belarusian agricultural exports to the EU must stop. We are grateful to the Polish Government and the Sejm, which adopted a corresponding appeal to the European Commission. Our voice was heard in Brussels. The European Commission has proposed a 50% increase in duties on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, including grain imports. The new rates should stop this trade," he emphasized.

Construction of a new highway

In addition, Shmyhal said, Ukraine has submitted its proposals for the construction of a new highway. It should run along the route Krakivets-Lviv-Brody-Rivne.

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Ukraine also hopes to continue Poland's participation in Ukraine's recovery. In particular, Poland has already taken the "initiative to join the restoration of the Kharkiv region."

Electricity imports to Ukraine

In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized, that Poland is already helping Ukraine stabilize its energy system. It is doing so by importing resources to the country.

"There is an exemplary case of the construction of the Khmelnytskyi NPP-Rzeszów power line. This deepens the integration of the Ukrainian energy system into the European one," Shmyhal said.

Fuel must cross the border without delay

Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine has asked Poland to ensure free passage of not only ammunition and humanitarian aid but also fuel across the border, despite the blockade by farmers.

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This is important because it is directly related to national security issues. Poland has included the border crossing points and adjacent roads in the list of critical infrastructure facilities. We did the same," the Prime Minister said.

The Poles have extended the border blockade

Earlier, Polish farmers extended the blockade of the border with Ukraine for almost 2 months – until April 30. Previously, they intended to end it on March 10. In this way, the Poles want to achieve restrictions on the import of agricultural products from outside the European Union, including from Ukraine.

This is stated in the relevant document published by the Municipal Office of the Lubicz-Korolowska Commune. According to it, 100 people will block the border.

"The public meeting is scheduled to begin on March 10, 2024, at 14:30 and end on April 30, 2024, at 14:30. The goal is to eliminate the Green Deal (an EU strategy aimed at reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere – Ed.) and limit products from outside the EU, in particular from Ukraine," it says.

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Blockade of Ukraine's border with the EU