Protecting port infrastructure remains critical to stable exports of Ukrainian agricultural products and maintaining global food security.

This was emphasized by Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), on the air of “Yedyni Novyny”:

"Every year, the war causes significant losses, primarily human ones. At the same time, the current season shows quite positive results in the production of grain and oilseeds, which creates potential for the formation of new export consignments. But the key challenge today is the possibility of exporting due to constant shelling of the ports of Greater Odessa and infrastructure on the Danube."

Attacks on port infrastructure are a threat not only to the Ukrainian economy but also to the global market.

"Ukrainian agricultural products play an important role in keeping global food prices in check, and any disruptions to exports are quickly felt around the world. We have already seen in 2022 that the inability of Ukraine to export has caused global food prices to rise by more than 15%. That is why the Ukrainian government's efforts to involve international partners in strengthening air defense systems to protect ports are of strategic importance for the agricultural sector in 2026," said the Deputy Chairman of the UAC.

Denys Marchuk also emphasized the UAC's principled position on the European integration of the agricultural sector and the conditions for the adaptation of Ukrainian producers:

"Ukraine must enter the EU as a strong partner. If all EU agricultural regulations are introduced at once, Ukrainian farmers will not be able to maintain economic stability, so the transitional requirements for the agricultural sector should be postponed for at least 15–20 years. At the same time, those producers who are already ready to work according to European rules should have access to all support programs and subsidies, because Ukraine sees EU farmers not as competitors, but as partners for joint entry into new markets."