Poland, Ukraine: Polish farmers resumed protests and border blockades at border crossings Feb. 9-March 10 /update 11

Unionized Polish farmers started a nationwide strike and resumed border blockades at border crossings with Ukraine on Feb. 9; blockades will continue until March 10. Farmers launched the strike to denounce the European Commission's proposal to extend the suspension of import quotas and duties on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year. Protests will likely occur in Poland's major cities, while unionized farmers resumed border blockades at the Ukrainian-Polish border.

As of Feb. 12, the border crossing points affected by the blockade are:

• Korczowa-Krakovets

• Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska

• Dorohusk-Yahodyn

• Medyka-Shehyni

• Zosin-Ustyluh

• Dolhobyczow-Uhryniv

Farmers allow personal vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the passage of military and humanitarian aid. The Polish government will likely begin negotiations with farmers' representatives in the upcoming days and weeks. Blockades could be temporarily lifted and resume within hours.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security posture in the vicinity of Polish-Ukrainian border crossings to monitor the flow of cross-border traffic as well as any renewed protest activity. Border crossing delays will likely occur over the short term. Temporary shortages of goods remain possible over the coming weeks.