Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday called European restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports unacceptable and cruel at a press conference in Kyiv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“Any restriction on our exports is absolutely unacceptable, as it enhances the capabilities of the Russian aggressor,” Zelensky said, quoted by the French AFP news agency.
The Ukrainian leader called on the European Union (EU) “as soon as possible” to lift the restrictions, considering them “tough and even cruel protectionist measures.”
Von der Leyen traveled to Kyiv on Tuesday to celebrate Europe Day in the Ukrainian capital.
At the end of April, the European Commission agreed with five member states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania) to overcome bans on the import of Ukrainian grain.
The agreement follows the decision of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria to ban imports of grains and other agricultural products to protect their farmers.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU suspended customs duties on Ukrainian goods to allow Kyiv to export grains, given the blockage of regular Black Sea routes.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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