Ukraine hopes ban on import of its grain won't be extended beyond Sept 15

MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky believes it is unadvisable to extend the restrictions on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products to the European Union beyond September 15, 2023, Ukrainian media outlets said, citing information circulating by the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry on social media.

Solsky also welcomed the decision to establish an EU-Ukraine consultative platform to deal with transit-related issues.

"We welcome the positive moments related to this new decision. It is, in particular, the creation of a consultative platform between Ukraine and the EU at which the transit issue will be tackled," the minister said.

The fact that the ban has been prolonged only until September 15 is a positive development, Solsky said, expressing hope that these restrictions will not be extended beyond this date.

As reported, the ban on the export of wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed from Ukraine to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria, imposed on May 2 for the period until June 5, will be prolonged until September 15.

The European Commission has said that Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia pledged to lift their unilateral restrictions on these and all other Ukrainian exports from May 2 and to ensure the unimpeded transit of these products.