The Czech Republic, Poland and three Baltic states called on the European Union on Wednesday to impose an embargo on grain from Russia and its ally Belarus, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, AFP reported.

“As members of the EU, we consider it necessary to fulfill our moral obligation to block any activity that could potentially strengthen” Russia and Belarus, the agriculture ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said.

In a joint letter obtained by AFP, they are asking the European Commission to take action to “restrict grain imports” from Russia and Belarus.

It is also important to take measures to prevent grain potentially stolen from Ukraine from entering the EU market, they add.

The five ministers also said grain imports from these countries were “putting pressure” on European markets and “competing directly with the products of EU farmers”, at a time when farmers are demonstrating across Europe to protect the industry.

The EU imported 1.53 million tons of grain from Russia

They note that income from grain exports contributes to Russia’s military efforts.

“Financial resources are allocated for the production of missiles, drones and other weapons, which (…) will only lead to new deaths of Ukrainian citizens,” they say.

According to the letter, in 2023 the EU imported 1.53 million tons of grain from Russia worth 437.5 million euros.

Last month, Latvia banned the import of food products from Russia and Belarus, including transit through third countries.

In March, the Prime Minister of Poland called on the EU to introduce “total” sanctions on the import of agricultural products and food products from Russia and Belarus.