18 Dec 2023 | 03:05 PM UTC
Poland, Ukraine: Truck drivers continue to protest at border crossings as of Dec. 18 /update 4
Truckers' protest at Polish-Ukrainian border crossings continues Dec. 18; farmers join the blockade at Dorohusk-Yahodyn.
Polish truck drivers' protest is ongoing at the Polish-Ukrainian border, blocking freight traffic as of Dec. 18. Haulers resumed protests at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing as of Dec. 18 after temporarily suspending their blockade of the crossing point on Dec. 11. Local farmers also joined the protest at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing point as of Dec. 18, to denounce the presence of Ukrainian grain in the EU market, causing loss to Polish producers. Additional farmers could join the ongoing protests at the Medyka-Shehyni, Korczowa-Krakowiec, and Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska crossings, which remain blocked by demonstrating Polish truckers. Protesters have vowed to continue their action until at least Jan. 3; the purpose of the truckers' protests is to demand that authorities stop allowing Ukrainian truck drivers to access the EU without permits.
Increased security is likely near active protest locations. 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.
Plan accordingly for severe delays to freight shipments transiting 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. Reports indicate that freight traffic seeking alternative routes has prompted lengthy queues and delays at border crossing points from Ukraine into Hungary and Slovakia. However, as of Dec. 11, the Vysne Nemecke-Uzhhorod border crossing to Slovakia and the Zahony-Chop crossing into Hungary were closed by protesting Slovak and Hungarian truckers, respectively. Counterdemonstrations by Ukrainian truck drivers are possible in shared border areas and may intensify disruptions.
