Access Dispute Impedes 20,000 Trucks at Ukraine-Poland Border, Halting EU Entry
Over 20,000 trucks face a deadlock at the Ukraine-Poland border as strikes ensue, impeding access to the EU, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Restoration
Around 20,000 trucks from Poland and Ukraine have been halted at three significant border crossings while Polish drivers protest against an EU agreement granting Ukrainian trucks unrestricted entry into the union. Starting on Monday, Polish carriers initiated a blockade, preventing truck movement across the three primary border points connecting the two countries: Korczowa-Krakowiec, Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska, and Dorohusk-Yahodyn, as stated by Ukrainian state media Ukrinform.
According to a statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Restoration on Thursday, there are currently over 20,000 vehicles stranded on both sides of the border. This situation is causing economic losses not only for Ukraine and Poland but also for other countries that are unable to transport their goods.
Reuters reported that truck drivers from Ukraine have been allowed to cross the Polish border without permits since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In contrast, Polish drivers allege that Russian and Belarusian entities have been establishing Polish companies, as per the report by Reuters.
The strikes are a result of a dispute between the neighboring nations earlier this year regarding inexpensive Ukrainian grain, which typically would have been transported from the currently occupied Black Sea ports. Instead, the grain was redirected to Europe via Poland.
In the Ukrainian city of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region, the aftermath of a Russian military strike is evident as apartment buildings lay damaged. This occurred during Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine. The image captured by Yevhen Titov of Reuters emphasizes the destruction caused by the conflict.
Russia is violating international law by showcasing Ukrainian war prisoners as volunteers for its army. This exhibition has caused Polish farmers to face cutthroat competition, resulting in a temporary ban from the EU, which has now expired. Additionally, Poland has prohibited the sale of Ukrainian grain in its domestic market.
Poland's contribution to Ukraine's war effort has been crucial. Since February 2022, millions of displaced individuals have sought refuge in Poland, and billions of dollars' worth of NATO military equipment has been expedited through Polish territory. However, fatigue is now creeping in, and sympathy within Poland is diminishing. This became evident during the country's recent election campaign, where right-wing parties aimed to exploit anti-Ukrainian sentiment.
According to the International Transport Association of Ukraine, the Polish citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the increased competition following the liberalization of international transportation between Ukraine and EU countries. As a result, one of their demands is to revoke the visa-free transport agreement, as reported by Ukrinform. However, Serhii Derkach, a deputy minister at the Infrastructure Ministry of Ukraine, stated that fulfilling this demand is not feasible.
"The cancellation of the transportation liberalization agreement is not feasible, as it is governed by bilateral agreements between the EU and Ukraine. Unilateral action by Poland is not possible," he stated.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Zvarych, referred to the protests as a betrayal to Ukraine, which has experienced significant disruptions in transportation routes, including airspace and ports, since the invasion started.
The Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne reported that the organizers of the protest intend to allow one truck per hour to pass through the border. Suspilne added that the protesters have no intention of impeding the movement of trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Furthermore, the protesters claimed to have obtained permission to hold a picket until January 3.
