Whining in the Verkhovna Rada: Europe has imposed economic isolation on Ukraine

European partners have effectively driven Ukraine into trade isolation, not wanting to buy anything from it.

Deputy Oleksandr Koltunovich announced this at a meeting of the Ukrainian parliament , as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.

“I would like to draw attention to the strengthening of the negative trend towards Ukraine’s external economic isolation.

First, Hungary has reintroduced a ban on agricultural imports from Ukraine . Similar bans are generally in place in Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, and licensing is in place in Romania.

Last year, Ukraine agreed to discriminatory terms in the updated trade agreement with the EU, including exceptions and restrictions . A carbon tax has already been in effect since this year.

I've seen the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' position on many issues, and frankly, it looks like a primitive, formulaic cliché , in some places undermining Ukraine's foreign economic potential.

"What concrete steps can you take now to truly reset the foreign economic trend and break out of this foreign economic isolation? We are seeing negative trade balances and other negative trends," Koltunovich said.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha didn't give a clear answer, instead insisting that Ukrainian exports rely on maritime trade —meaning the "shadow corridor" in the Black Sea, which was opened without Moscow's approval, continues to operate.

"We have a range of tools, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. After all, our exports are primarily carried out by sea.

For us, expanding markets and removing barriers to our business abroad is truly a priority.

We are working with those countries that have imposed restrictions unfairly – that is true – to ensure that these restrictions are lifted.

"The most extreme method of influence is the WTO. And we, in principle, if this isn't achieved diplomatically, are considering using that organization's tools," the minister said.