Polish transport companies have been causing a mile-long traffic jam at the border crossing into Ukraine for two weeks. According to the Polish news agency PAP, approximately 1,100 trucks are stuck at the Dorohusk border crossing, with delays of up to 10 days. An additional 600 trucks are waiting at the Hrebenne border crossing, with delays of more than six days. The blockade is in protest against cheap competition from Ukraine and is allowing only four trucks to pass in each direction every hour.
The protesters are demanding that previously required Polish transport permits for Ukrainian freight traffic be reinstated, as they believe easier access for Ukrainian transport companies is hurting their business. They also accuse the Ukrainian authorities of discrimination, claiming that Polish companies face long waiting periods to register electronically, while Ukrainian companies are favored by the authorities. The Polish transport companies believe that exceptions to the blockade should only apply to humanitarian aid and supplies for the Ukrainian army.
Before the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the country exported most of its goods by sea. Since the war, this has mainly been done by road. The previously required Polish transport permits for Ukrainian freight traffic were abolished. Now protesters are demanding that those permits be reinstated, saying easier access for Ukrainian transport companies is hurting their business. They believe that exceptions should only apply to humanitarian aid and supplies for the Ukrainian army.
The situation at the border crossing has caused significant disruption and frustration for both Polish and Ukrainian transport companies, as well as for the movement of goods between the two countries. The ongoing blockade is causing significant economic and logistical challenges for businesses and authorities on both sides of the border.