Ukraine, a major agricultural exporter, applied to join the EU shortly after Russia’s 2022 invasion and began accession talks in 2024. (EPA Images pic)

KYIV: Ukraine's agriculture minister on Wednesday said his country would not agree to EU membership if that would entail permanent restrictions on farm subsidies and exports of agricultural products.

The response comes a day after the European Commission proposed a special arrangement that would limit financial support and restrict exports, such as wheat, from Ukraine.

"Transitional periods are a normal part of EU enlargement... Permanent restrictions on access to the single market are an entirely different matter," Taras Vysotsky said in a statement to AFP.