Ukraine to turn to WTO if ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports extended after Sept 15

MOSCOW. Sept 6 (Interfax) - Ukraine may file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Brussels and European Union member countries unless they lift restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products after September 15, Ukraine's Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka said in an interview with the Politico media outlet.

"With full respect and gratitude to Poland, if any bans are imposed after September 15, Ukraine will file a lawsuit against Poland and the EU with the WTO," Kachka said.

These restrictions violate the Free Trade Agreement that has been in force between Ukraine and the EU since 2014, Ukrainian media said, citing the trade representative.

"We do not intend to take immediate action, given the spirit of friendship and solidarity between Ukraine and the EU," Kachka said, adding that the existence of a systemic threat to Ukrainian interests will force Kiev to refer this case to the WTO.