The European Commission called on Poland, Hungary and Slovakia to be constructive after they unilaterally declared they would continue to ban grain imports from Ukraine despite the Commission"s decision to end the ban, writes Reuters.

“We are aware of some Member States’ announcements in respect to unilateral measures. What is important right now is that all countries work in the spirit of compromise and engage constructively”, - a Commission spokeswoman said.

Ukraine was one of the world’s top grain exporters before Russia’s 2022 invasion reduced its ability to ship agricultural produce to global markets through Black Sea ports. Since then, Ukrainian farmers have relied on grain exports through neighbouring countries.