11 Dec 2023 | 10:35 PM UTC
Poland, Ukraine: Authorities suspend truck drivers' protest at Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing as of Dec. 11 /update 2
Freight shipping resumes via Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing on Polish-Ukrainian border Dec. 11 after officials suspend truckers' protest at site.
Polish truck drivers suspended their protest at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing on the Polish-Ukrainian border on Dec. 11 in accordance with a local order, permitting cross-border truck traffic via the crossing for the first time in more than a month. Ukrainian officials asserted that "stable truck traffic [had] been restored" via the crossing in both directions. However, the border crossing points of Medyka-Shehyni, Korczowa-Krakowiec, and Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska continued to be obstructed by protests as of Dec. 11. Protesters have vowed to continue to block the border crossings until at least Jan. 3 to demand that authorities stop allowing Ukrainian truck drivers to access the EU without permits. Protest organizers have expressed interest in filing an appeal to restart the Dorohusk-Yahodyn demonstration.
Transport workers may resume their blockade of the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing on short notice. Increased security is likely near active protest locations. Long queues at Dorohusk-Yahodyn may take several days to clear. Alternative means of transport and border crossings will likely experience increased demand and traffic. Temporary goods shortages remain possible. Clashes are possible in areas that are subject to related protest activity.
Anticipate severe delays to freight scheduled to transit the Polish-Ukrainian border for the duration of the protest actions. Confirm the status of border crossings before routing shipments across the border. Allow additional travel time in the vicinity of the shared border. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks.
Polish truckers have blocked cross-border traffic at multiple crossing points along the Polish-Ukrainian border since Nov. 6. The Korczowa-Krakowiec and Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska crossings have reportedly been blocked since that date; additionally, the Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing had been closed since Nov. 6 until it reopened Dec. 11. Protesting truck drivers also began to block the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing later in November. The protest actions may be extended to other border crossings between Poland and Ukraine on short notice.
Reports indicate that freight traffic seeking alternative routes has prompted lengthy queues and delays at border crossing points into Hungary and Slovakia. However, as of Dec. 11, the Vysne Nemecke-Uzhhorod border crossing connecting Ukraine and Slovakia and the Zahony-Chop border crossing connecting Ukraine and Hungary were closed by Slovak and Hungarian truckers demonstrating in line with the Polish protesters. Counterdemonstrations by Ukrainian truck drivers are possible in shared border areas and may intensify disruptions. The road blockades have also been supported by Polish farmers, who may stage additional demonstrations in solidarity.
