On Friday, February 23, near the border with Poland, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the implementation of a “Plan of Understanding” designed to unblock the border between the two countries. He emphasized that the plan involves “painful compromises for us.”.
Shmyhal noted that the border blockade negatively affects Ukraine's economy and the country's ability to better defend itself against the Russian aggressor. He emphasized that over the past five months, Ukraine has not exported grain, corn, sunflower seeds, and rapeseed to the Polish market, and Ukrainian grain passes through Poland only in transit.
Shmyhal also stressed that the blockade negatively affects trade between Ukraine and Poland, as well as the overall economic situation of both countries. He called for resolving this issue and making constructive decisions.
As part of the “Plan of Understanding,” the first step is Ukraine’s agreement to restrictions on agricultural exports to the European Union proposed by the European Commission. Shmyhal explained that these restrictions, which include poultry, eggs, and sugar, will only apply if export volumes exceed the average for 2022 and 2023.
The second step involves screening the quality of Ukrainian agricultural products by classification clusters related to agricultural policy and transport. This is necessary to avoid manipulation of product quality.
The third step is a call for Poland to join the appeal to the European Commission to stop Russian agricultural exports to the EU.
The fourth step includes the creation of a “Trilateral Headquarters” with the participation of Ukraine, Poland, and the European Commission to quickly resolve the issue of the border blockade.
The fifth step involves resolving the issue of border crossing not only of military equipment and humanitarian aid, but also of other groups of goods.
Shmyhal emphasized that this plan is a fair approach and beneficial for both sides, and called for constructive dialogue.
