23 Dec 2023 | 02:06 PM UTC
Poland, Ukraine: Truck drivers' protests at border crossings likely to continue through at least early January /update 5
Truckers' protests at Polish-Ukrainian border crossings likely to continue through at least early January; freight delays ongoing.
Polish truck drivers' protests are likely to continue at the Polish-Ukrainian border into early January, blocking freight traffic. Authorities report around 4,000 vehicles are held at border crossings, as of Dec. 23. The purpose of the truckers' protests is to demand that authorities stop allowing Ukrainian truck drivers to access the EU without permits. Protesters have vowed to continue their action until at least Jan. 3.
Local farmers joined the protest at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing point Dec. 18, to denounce the presence of Ukrainian grain in the EU market, causing loss to Polish producers. The Polish Ministry of Agriculture announced that farmers would end their protest at the Medyka-Shehyni crossing from 08:00 Dec. 24; however, this location remains blocked by Polish truckers. Agricultural workers may also join other blockades at the Korczowa-Krakowiec and Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska crossings.
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.
