CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — Moldova will limit imports of grain from Ukraine to protect its farmers while still allowing transport to third countries, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the Moldovan government.

The government said a special license would be required for any supplies of wheat, corn and sunflower seed from neighboring Ukraine.

Ukraine is a major global grain grower and exporter but has faced difficulties with its exports since Russia invaded in February 2022, blocking Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and attacking agricultural infrastructure, including on the Danube River.

Ukrainian trade representative Taras Kachka said the decision did not apply to transit through Moldova, a nation of 2.6 million people on Ukraine’s western border but not a member of the European Union.

“In consultations with Ukraine, the Moldovan side is introducing import licensing for sunflower seeds,” Kachka said on Facebook.

Kachka said the measure was not intended as a ban on Ukrainian imports and was in line with Ukraine’s attempts to normalize grain trade with neighboring countries. 

Ukraine has been working with neighboring EU countries to introduce export licenses for a number of farm products as a compromise. 

Poland, Slovakia and Hungary introduced national restrictions on Ukrainian imports in response to a decision by the European Commission not to extend its import ban.

Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania reached an agreement Oct. 3 to facilitate the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Poland to third countries by transferring product inspections from the Polish border to a Lithuanian port.