Infrastructure Ministry calls on Polish government to unblock Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing point

Since the morning of May 4, the Polish side has suspended the clearance of trucks at the entry and exit points. Only vehicles carrying humanitarian aid, dangerous goods and animals are allowed to leave Poland (enter Ukraine).

This situation has arisen due to a strike by Polish carriers in front of the Dorohusk checkpoint. The protesters’ demands include the return of permits for international road freight transport for Ukrainian carriers at the entrance to Poland. They also demand that Ukrainian carriers be subject to the EURO4 environmental standard, which is applied to Polish carriers in Ukraine.

The Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development has already asked its Polish counterparts to resolve the situation.

“The Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing point accounts for about 40% of freight traffic to Poland. The blocking of the border creates a critical situation for exports. Now our country is defending itself against the terrorist actions of the russian aggressors, and the stable functioning of the Ukrainian economy is an important component of the future victory.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Ukrainian exports to or through Poland have been blocked. This is an unfair and unfortunate situation that affects the normal course of business between our countries and the European Union.

We consider today’s strike to be artificial and contrary to common European aspirations and values. We call on our colleagues, the Polish government, to take appropriate measures to resolve the existing problem and to explain to the protesters how to overcome misunderstandings.

Our strength is in unity, and Europe has repeatedly demonstrated this to the world. I am grateful to all those who have stood by us in these dark times and have remained faithful to the principles of friendship and good neighbourliness,” said Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.

Following the agreement reached on April 28 with Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, the European Commission offered EUR 100 million to farmers growing cereals and oilseeds in these five EU member states. The support will help alleviate problems related to logistical bottlenecks caused by imports of certain agri-food products from Ukraine.

At the same time, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia committed to lift their unilateral measures on wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds and any other products coming from Ukraine.