Ukraine Seeks EU Assistance Amid Border Blockade Crisis

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal engaged in a virtual meeting with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis to address the ongoing blockade of the Ukrainian border by some European Union (EU) countries. Ukraine has presented its proposals to the EU and is relying on the European Commission’s support to resolve this critical issue, as revealed by Shmyhal on Facebook. In response to the blockade, Ukraine is swiftly developing alternative logistics routes for both exports and imports.

The situation escalated after protests initiated by Polish carriers on November 6, advocating for the reinstatement of the permit regime for Ukrainian haulers entering the EU. These protests led to road blockades, causing extensive truck queues at border checkpoints. Tragically, two Ukrainian truck drivers lost their lives amid the delays, prompting Ukraine to issue an official note to the Polish Foreign Ministry, urgently demanding the unblocking of the border.

The crisis further intensified as Slovakian activists joined the protests on the Slovakia-Ukraine border. Notably, the EU revoked permits for Ukrainian haulers last year, contributing to the current challenges faced by Ukraine’s transportation sector.