Ukraine negotiates expansion of grain routes - Sybiga

Ukraine is holding consultations with neighboring countries on expanding the "Solidarity Lanes" for grain exports to external markets. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated this on August 5 during a press conference in Kyiv.

Talks are underway with Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. The parties are discussing the development of border and transport infrastructure, increasing the throughput capacity of routes, and creating conditions for transporting Ukrainian agricultural products to third countries.

The European Union created the "Solidarity Lanes" in May 2022 after the blockade of Ukrainian seaports. They provide for the transportation of goods by rail, road, the Danube, and through the ports of European countries.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced that her country is ready to provide Ukraine with port capacities and facilitate road, rail, and other necessary transit. She also called on the international community to take a firm stance on protecting Ukrainian exports.

Previously, Current Ukraine reported that due to Russian strikes on Black Sea ports, Ukraine is increasing the use of Danube terminals and railway "dry ports". New agreements with neighboring states should expand the capabilities of these routes.

Meanwhile, Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing new routes for Ukrainian grain exports after Russian strikes on Black Sea ports limited sea transportation. Bloomberg reported this on August 4.

The railway company is exploring the possibility of redirecting cargo through Danube ports and western border crossings. Ukrzaliznytsia is also gathering information from agricultural exporters on priority supply directions in order to quickly redistribute cargo flows if needed.

Thus, the MFA's negotiations with Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland should provide the international and infrastructural basis for the routes being prepared by the Ukrainian railway.

Based on materials from: European Pravda, Bloomberg