Moldova to help Ukraine export grain, but takes into account farmers' interests
The Republic of Moldova is working with external partners to help Ukraine export its grain, while taking into account the interests of Moldovan farmers, said President Maia Sandu in an interview with RFI on August 18.
Sandu said that Moldova has been providing assistance to Ukraine for grain transit since the beginning of the war, and that the country is committed to helping its neighbour. However, she acknowledged that the current infrastructure of Moldova is not developed enough to handle the additional volume of grain exports from Ukraine.
"We are trying to find a solution that reconciles the interests of Moldovan farmers and ensures the grain transit from Ukraine," Sandu said. "We are obliged to help Ukraine. Ukraine ensures our peace today."
The president also said that the government has taken measures to support Moldovan producers, including a temporary ban on domestic sales of certain Ukrainian grain products.
The European Commission has also instituted a temporary ban on domestic sales of certain Ukrainian grain products in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. The ban is scheduled to expire by September 15.
Ukraine's grain exports are hampered by Russia's unilateral decision to end the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17. The agreement, brokered by Turkey and the UN in July 2022, allowed Ukraine to export its agricultural products amid the large-scale invasion.
