AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR AND ONE-SIDED SANCTIONS IMPOSED BY NEIGHBOURING EU СОUNTRIES

Abstract

The article outlines the main problems of agricultural exports in the context of the blockade of seaports, the breakdown of existing supply chains, and a significant increase in logistics costs due to the shutdown of road checkpoints. It also identifies the main trends in foreign trade in agricultural products, in particularly grain crops. The author examines legislative changes that have affected the procedure for export-import operations involving domestic business entities. In chronological order, the institutional and measures taken by the European Union and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine aimed at improving the efficiency of international road transport of agricultural products are described. In order to assess the effectiveness of the existing road checkpoints, it is first necessary to consider both the planned and actual throughput capacity in the context of martial law conditions. In this respect, an analysis of the requirements set by Poland, Slovakia and Hungary reveals a certain inconsistency with the legislative directives of the European Parliament on exports from Ukraine. It may therefore be concluded that these requirements are primarily intended to prevent the entry of Ukrainian agricultural products into their territory, rather than as a genuine condition for their export. It also suggests that it might be beneficial to consider ways of strengthening internal veterinary and phytosanitary control measures. This is particularly relevant in light of the fact that in 2022 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to cancel state supervision measures under martial law, including those relating to agricultural products. This decision was taken against the background of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, which caused significant losses to agricultural enterprises. It is therefore important to ensure that food security is maintained not only in Ukraine but also in countries exporting domestic agricultural products. The paper suggests that it might be beneficial to consider introducing a European system of rapid response to reports of direct or indirect risks to human health posed by food or animal feed. Such a system could potentially protect consumers from substandard products, while also enabling authorities to remove spoiled products from the market in a short time frame.