Poland bans imports of Ukrainian wheat to protect local farmers

Ukrainian wheat exports have passed through the European Union, next to final destination since Ukraine has been blocked by sea routes, due to the war launched by Russia in February last year.

However, because of logistical issues, wheat in the EU has been stored and wheat prices have dropped, which has sparked protests in farmers and the resignations of the Polish Agriculture Minister.

“Today, the government has decided to stop entering, importing wheat into Poland, as well as stopping several other food products”, Kaczynski said in the northern village of Lyse.

Otherwise, “this situation would affect the growing crisis for the agriculture sector in Poland... We must protect Polish agriculture”, he added.

Speaking at the Convention of his far-right party, Law and Justice, Kaczynski, has stressed that Poland remains the major supporter of neighbouring Ukraine.

“We will continue to be, without the slightest change, friends and allies of Ukraine”, he said.

Ukrainian authorities have said on Saturday they regret the decision made by Polish counterparts.

The Polish leaders are facing a difficult situation, but Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult situation”, they have said.

Last month, Poland, and the other four Central European states have sought the European Union's help to combat the influence of Ukrainian wheat on the territory of the European bloc. / REL/