September 16, 2023 at 2:05 a.m. EDT
Grain Import Bans End in Ukraine, Prompting Import Restrictions from Neighboring European Union Nations
After the European Commission’s ban on grain shipments from Ukraine into five bordering European Union (EU) nations expired on Friday, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have imposed import restrictions of their own. The limited access to Black Sea ports during the war has caused a surge in Ukrainian grain passing through neighboring countries, leading to a drastic decrease in prices and causing frustration among local producers. While the European Commission stated that the ban’s expiration eliminated market distortions, some leaders remain unconvinced and argue that they are protecting the interests of their own farmers.
Slovakia’s agriculture ministry emphasized that the ban on grain imports does not apply to the transport of Ukrainian goods through the respective countries, expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Hungary’s agriculture minister also clarified that the ban would not prevent through-traffic. However, Hungary has expanded its restrictions to include other products and accused EU leaders of favoring international companies over farmers. The agriculture minister stated, “We can’t let this go.”
The European Commission assured that Ukraine will take measures to prevent grain surges and price distortions following the ban’s expiration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the lift on restrictions in his nightly address, affirming that Ukraine will respond civilly if the decisions made by its neighbors are not neighborly.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Russia, Sparking Concerns of an Arms Deal
In a visit to Vladivostok, a city in Russia’s Far East near the Chinese and North Korean borders, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was met by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. State media outlet Tass reported that Kim toured a factory that builds fighter jets with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who expressed Moscow’s interest in a potential partnership with North Korea in aircraft manufacturing. The visit has raised concerns in Washington about a potential arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Upcoming Visit of Ukrainian President Zelensky to Washington Amid Efforts to Secure Additional Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington next week, marking his second trip since the war began. The visit has been coordinated with the Biden administration as part of efforts to push Congress to provide $24 billion in additional aid to Ukraine. Tensions are rising over support for Ukraine within the Republican Party and among a small number of Democrats. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that Zelensky is closely following the debate in Washington.
Detained Wall Street Journal Reporter Gershkovich Receives Visit from U.S. Ambassador in Moscow
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne M. Tracy visited Evan Gershkovich, a detained Wall Street Journal reporter held at the Lefortovo pretrial detention center in Moscow. Gershkovich has been facing espionage charges that the United States considers politically motivated. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow confirmed that Gershkovich remains strong and is keeping up with the news.
Significant Developments in the War and Its Global Effects
– Ukrainian forces recaptured Andriivka, a Russian-held village near Bakhmut. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the troops involved and called it a “significant and much-needed result.”
– Kyiv’s St. Sophia Cathedral and Lviv were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list due to the “risk of direct attack” and vulnerability to shock waves caused by bombings. The list now designates 56 sites in danger, including the Black Sea port city of Odessa.
– Finland joined its Baltic neighbors Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in banning Russian-registered cars from entering its territory, following European Commission guidelines to prevent sanction dodging.
– Britain officially banned Russia’s Wagner Group and labeled it a terrorist organization, imposing up to 14 years in jail for supporting the group. The ban comes weeks after the death of group leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin and months after his brief mutiny.
– Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed “three-way cooperation” with Russia and North Korea during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko did not provide specifics but stated that Minsk would explore opportunities.
– Analysts point to a shuffle of Russian military chiefs and the death of Wagner Group leader Prigozhin as indications of President Putin’s lack of trust in his military leadership. Infighting and loyalty prioritization have resulted in degradation of the Russian war machine, according to experts.
As the war continues and various global developments unfold, the situation in Ukraine and its ripple effects on neighboring countries and beyond require close attention.