Ukraine Threatens International Arbitration Over Potential Extension of EU Grain Ban
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has issued a stern warning to the European Union, declaring that Kiev would seek international arbitration if the EU decides to extend its ban on Ukrainian grain beyond September 15. The ban, which was imposed in May and affects deliveries of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, is set to expire next week. However, the five EU member states are now advocating for an extension until the end of the year to protect their domestic agricultural industries.
In an address published on his official website, President Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s strong opposition to any further restrictions on the export of their grain. He highlighted the economic disparity, saying, “We calmly watch as our grain becomes a source of good income for various European countries that process our agricultural products and make money on logistics.”
President Zelensky went on to emphasize the importance of upholding promises, the Association Agreement, and free market conditions. He directed his message squarely at the European Commission, stating, “But how can we not calmly accept the violation of the promises given to us, the violation of the Association Agreement, the violation of free market conditions.”
During his address, Zelensky underlined the ongoing conflict with Russia, describing Ukraine’s efforts as a fight for life and European values across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, and cyberspace. He warned that Ukraine was prepared to take its fight to international arbitration and various platforms within international organizations if necessary.
However, the Ukrainian President expressed hope that Ukraine and Brussels could avoid a legal battle and achieve unity and truth. “We don’t want to, but we will fight in arbitration,” he asserted.
Zelensky also appealed directly to the leaders of Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, characterizing any restrictions on Ukrainian exports as exacerbating the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict between Kiev and Moscow.
According to reports from Politico, ambassadors from other EU countries have either openly opposed the idea of extending the restrictions on Ukrainian grain or remained skeptical during a recent meeting with the European Commission. France and Germany have been among the nations critical of extending the bans, favoring alternative means to address the issue.
EU diplomats reportedly conveyed an understanding of the concerns raised by Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, and Bratislava while calling on the European Commission to explore alternative solutions.
Poland and Hungary have already announced their intention to implement unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian grain deliveries if the EU opts not to extend the ban, further complicating the situation.
The fate of Ukraine’s grain exports hangs in the balance as negotiations between Ukraine and the EU continue, with the specter of international arbitration looming as a potential outcome.
