Ukraine has been always one of the biggest wheat and fertilizer producers in the world.

Is Missouri part of international decition making? Does Missouri participate in UN summits? Does the governor of Missouri have voice in international treaties? Does it have embassy in other countries?

There are probably distinct provinces in Canada and China outperforming many countries, so why should they exist on a lower tier than a “country”, just because they were persuaded or “persuaded” to incorporate into something larger?

Because povinces dont decide foreign policies. Dont have militaries, cant make treaties.