The Armed Forces of Ukraine Buy Foreign Fish: Why the Army Does Not Support Ukrainian Producers.

The Issue of Import Substitution in the Food Supply of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to inkorr.com: Ukrainian fish processing companies are drawing attention to the issue of import substitution in the supply of food for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As noted by the head of the 'First Fish Exchange' public organization, Ruslan Melnik, the military, despite having their own resources, often buy foreign fish, such as hake fillet, although domestic bighead carp could fully meet their needs.

Melnik emphasizes that there are about 48 processing enterprises in Ukraine ready to supply quality products for the army. He also notes that discriminatory requirements for Ukrainian fish products in tender documents contribute to imports.

Currently, most of the fish procured for the army is foreign. Ukrainian enterprises have all the capabilities to provide domestic products, but discrimination in tenders makes them less attractive compared to imports.

Addressing Supply Conditions

Melnik urges to review the tender requirements regarding the purchase of fish for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure equal conditions for Ukrainian producers and support the policy of import substitution in army nutrition by favoring domestic production.

This approach not only contradicts the support of domestic producers but also leads to the situation where Ukrainian funds 'work for the foreign economy,' Melnik noted.

Leading Ukrainian fish processing companies emphasize the critical importance of import substitution for providing food to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite the availability of domestic resources, the army predominantly buys imported fish. This issue requires urgent attention and the restoration of national production. Regulation and support for Ukrainian producers can significantly improve this situation, creating conditions for greater independence of Ukraine in providing food for the army.