Poles block the largest checkpoint on the Ukrainian border: all cargo checkpoints banned for trucks once again

Today, on December 18, at 15:00 Kyiv time, the blockade of the largest checkpoint on the border between Poland and Ukraine, Yahodyn-Dorohusk, resumed. It may last until spring, and not only Polish carriers but also farmers are going to take part in it. As a result, all four cargo checkpoints on the border between Ukraine and Poland are blocked.

The blockade was announced by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. "Today, at 15:00, Polish carriers started a protest action on the access roads to the Dorohusk-Yahodyn checkpoint. The information about its beginning was received from the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland," the statement said.

The protest organizers plan to let only 1 truck per hour. At the same time, they inform that vehicles with security and humanitarian cargo and those transporting animals, perishable food, etc. will be allowed to pass. The protesters do not plan to interfere with bus traffic.

The new blockade may last until March 8, 2024. This is stated in the decision of the Polish court, which lifted the ban on the strike, RFM24 reports. Thus, on December 11, the head of the Dorohusk Commune, Wojciech Sawa, revoked the permission to hold a protest of the carriers.

On December 13, the strikers requested a new permit to protest from December 18 to March 8. The local authorities rejected this request as well. However, the strikers, led by Rafał Mekler, a Polish politician from the far-right Ruch Narodowy party, appealed the commune's decision in court and eventually received permission.

According to Mekler himself, not only truckers but also farmers will take part in the blockade starting December 18. And while the carriers want to cancel the "transport visa-free regime" for Ukraine, the farmers want to get:

• an embargo on sugar imports from Ukraine;
• direct subsidies;
• maintaining the excise tax rate on fuel at the same level;
• compensation for corn producers.