The artificial obstacles created by western neighboring countries in the work of the "solidarity routes" have played into the hands of Russia, which has intensified the blocking of the "grain corridor". This was stated by Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council, during the expert discussion "Confrontation in the Solidarity Road: Ukrainian Business in Search of Solutions to European Problems." The online event was also attended by representatives of central executive authorities, logistics companies, agricultural associations, and businesses.

According to Denys Marchuk, obstacles to the transit of Ukrainian grain, in particular through Poland, remain in the form of additional control measures and phytosanitary measures at the border.

"Not everyone in Europe is waiting for Ukrainian grain with open arms. We see the negative position of the western neighboring countries, which, on their part, led to the ban on grain imports on April 15 and the creation of its transit problems. Blocking the "solidarity corridors" plays into Russia's hands. In fact, after these bans, we have seen the aggressor country intensify its attempts to block the grain corridor," said Denys Marchuk.

In his opinion, the European Commission's decision to provide financial support to Polish farmers is logical, provided that the border crossings of Ukrainian agricultural products, both in transit and import, return to last year's figures.

Today, it is important to continue working on expanding the capabilities of the grain deal. Logistics by land cannot replace sea routes, which still remain the most efficient export route.

"Due to limited exports, farmers cannot sell their products, and prices in the country are much lower than on world markets. Today, farmers are working at a loss. Many of them are thinking about the feasibility of sowing this fall. Therefore, we, as one of the largest associations, are working on opportunities to expand the export of agricultural products by sea. In particular, it is necessary to deepen the mouth of the Bystre. In 2022, such work was carried out and this increased the ability of ships to pass through the Danube Delta," Denys Marchuk emphasized.

It is also necessary to allow transshipment near the port of Constanta. Transshipment of grain from ship to ship without calling at the port will reduce barge downtime, added the UAC Deputy Chairman.

As a reminder, during the year of Solidarity Roads operation, Ukraine exported more than 32 million tons of grains and oilseeds. On May 2, the European Commission imposed a ban on imports of a number of agricultural products from Ukraine to five EU countries: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania, while maintaining their transit. The ban will operate until September 15, 2023.