More than 20,000 vehicles are blocked on both sides of the Ukrainian-Polish border due to a strike by Polish carriers, the Ukrainian Ministry of Regional Development has said.
"Currently, more than 20,000 vehicles are blocked on both sides. The economy of not only Ukraine or Poland, but also other countries that cannot transport goods and violate their contractual obligations suffers losses," the ministry said.
Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov discussed the blocking of the border by Polish protesters with Polish Minister of Infrastructure Andrzej Adamczyk.
"Ukraine respects the right to protest and is ready for a constructive dialogue to resolve the situation. We have repeatedly emphasised this at all levels. The blocking of the border by Polish protesters disrupts logistics routes, which is already affecting both the economies of Ukraine and the European Union," the ministry added.
The Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development is ready to help its Polish colleagues resolve the situation with the border blockade, provide all relevant explanations and hold meetings if necessary.
The strike by Polish carriers began on 6 November. They announced it earlier and have permission to hold it until January. The strikers blocked the routes to the checkpoints and promised to allow one truck per hour and not to obstruct humanitarian supplies. Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Zvarych called the start of the strike a painful stab in the back. Polish carriers continue to block the roads to the checkpoints and have not submitted any official demands to Ukraine in three days.