Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described European restrictions on the export of Ukrainian grains as unacceptable and cruel on Tuesday during a press conference in Kiev with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“Any restriction on our exports is absolutely unacceptable, as it strengthens the capabilities of the Russian aggressor”said Zelensky, quoted by the French agency AFP.
The Ukrainian leader called on the European Union (EU) to lift the restrictions “as soon as possible”, describing them as “serious and even cruel protectionist measures”.
Von der Leyen traveled to Kiev this Tuesday to celebrate Europe Day in the Ukrainian capital.
At the end of April, the European Commission negotiated an agreement with five member states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania) to lift import bans on Ukrainian grains.
The agreement followed the decision by Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria to ban imports of grains and other agricultural products to protect their farmers.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU suspended customs duties on Ukrainian products to allow Kyiv to export grains given the blockage of usual Black Sea routes.
Zelensky insists on a timetable for joining the European Union
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, pushed for the request to the European Union (EU) to start negotiations for Ukraine’s accession when he received European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kiev.
“The time has long come to remove this artificial political uncertainty in Ukraine’s relations with the EU”said Zelensky, quoted by the French agency AFP.
“It’s time to take a positive decision on opening accession negotiations”said the Ukrainian leader at a joint press conference with von der Leyen.
Ukraine formally applied for EU membership on 28 February 2022, four days after being invaded by Russia.
In June, EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status, for which a negotiating calendar still needs to be drawn up.
Source: DN
