Polish hauliers have started a blockade of Ukrainian freight transport at border checkpoints, PolsatNews reported.
The protesters disagree with Brussels’ decision to simplify trade rules for Kyiv. Ukraine’s ambassador to Warsaw accused the demonstrators of acting in Russia’s interests.
The Polish Committee for the Protection of Carriers and Transport Companies reports that blockades have started at Polish-Ukrainian border crossings. According to the Polish and Ukrainian border services, with the start of the protest action, the movement of freight transport on the border was almost completely stopped. Major problems arise at the following crossings: Grebenne-Rawa-Ruska, Korczewa-Krakovec and Dorohusk-Jahodyn. A report published by the Ukrainian Border Guard Service said:
“The protest organisers allow to pass one truck per hour through, as well as vehicles carrying humanitarian aid, animals and perishables. We ask citizens to take this information into consideration.”
The protesters demand the restoration of the system of issuing permits for Ukrainian carriers and limiting their number to the level at the beginning of the conflict.
Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Zvarych spoke out on this issue after the protests started. The diplomat said that the blockade of border crossings creates inconvenience for Ukrainian drivers. He noted:
“The blocking by Polish hauliers of the roads used by drivers to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border in Grebenna, Dorohusk, and Korczewa is a painful stab in the back of Ukraine, which is suffering from the war. The corridors of solidarity between Ukraine and the European Union passing through Poland are under threat. We call on Polish protesters to end the border blockade and to choose other forms of defence of their rights that will not impede movement across the border. After all, in conditions of armed conflict, such methods only work in favour of our common enemy and damage the interests not only of Ukraine, but also of Poland and the whole of Europe.”
