Moldova's President reveals why helping Ukraine export grain benefits her country
Photo: Maia Sandu (Getty Images)
Moldovan President Maia Sandu states that Chisinau cannot remain on the sidelines regarding the issue of Ukrainian grain transit, as a lack of funds for Ukraine's defense would create problems for Moldova itself, according to NewsMaker.
The Moldovan leader welcomed the government's decision to facilitate the transit of Ukrainian grain, despite the concerns expressed by Moldovan farmers.
"If Ukraine is unable to sell its produce and lacks the funds for self-defense, we will face problems far more serious than those we face today. Of course, we need to figure out how to ensure our sector doesn't suffer too much, but at the same time, we cannot turn our backs on the Ukrainians, who are being bombed here every night, yet wake up every day to grow grain and resist. Through their resistance, they are also defending our peace," Sandu explains.
She believes that if the government and farmers have good intentions, they will be able to find a solution that will simultaneously ensure the transit of Ukrainian grain and protect the interests of Moldovan farmers.
Sandu also noted that Moldova is having a good agricultural year for many crops this year and expressed confidence that local farmers will benefit from their produce.
"Of course, we want our farmers to succeed, and I'm confident they will… But let’s not stand in the way when our neighbors ask us for help. This is an opportunity to help them. Other countries are helping them much more—with financial and military aid. This is where we can help them—through these transit routes," the President concludes.
Background
On August 12, the Moldovan government announced that it had reached an agreement with Ukrainian authorities to reduce by 50% the tariffs on the rail transit of Ukrainian goods through the country from August 10 through December 31, 2026.
The government explained that this measure was beneficial to both sides and could generate several million euros in revenue for Moldova's railways.
According to the government, Ukraine intends to export about 6 million metric tons of goods this agricultural year, and Moldova aims to attract about 10% of that volume.
Ukraine's export problem
Ukraine has faced difficulties exporting its grain, and not only because Russia is actively attacking Ukrainian ports and ships departing from or heading toward them.
Recently, Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia was attempting to turn the Black Sea into a platform for intimidation and pressure. He warned that Russia's attacks threaten freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security.
