Ponta pledges to halt Ukrainian grain exports via Romania if elected

Victor Ponta, a Romanian presidential candidate and former Prime Minister, has pledged to halt the export of Ukrainian grain through Romania's Black Sea ports if elected, citing the need to protect local farmers who he claims have suffered due to preferential policies favoring Ukrainian grain. Romania has facilitated the export of approximately 29 million tons of Ukrainian grain since the onset of the Russian invasion, becoming a crucial alternative route for Ukraine. Despite his stance on grain exports, Ponta expressed support for other forms of assistance to Ukraine, including the transit of weapons and training for Ukrainian pilots. He also emphasized Romania's commitment to defending Moldova against potential Russian aggression and highlighted a broader