Polish Truckers Initiate 24/7 Blockade at Ukrainian Border Crossing

Polish truckers and farmers have initiated a round-the-clock blockade of the Medyka border crossing, one of the busiest entry points between Poland and Ukraine, in protest against Ukrainian companies offering cheaper transportation services within the European Union. The truckers demand the reintroduction of a permit system for Ukrainian and EU truckers, exemptions for humanitarian aid and military supplies, and measures to prevent Belarusian and Russian hauliers from circumventing sanctions. The protest has caused long queues and delays, with over a thousand lorries stranded. The Ukrainian government claims the blockade is damaging its economy and hampering exports. The Polish government has requested exemptions for EU drivers with empty trucks and proposed the establishment of a joint committee to analyze the effects of lifting transport permits in the EU market. However, the truckers feel that both the outgoing and incoming Polish governments have shown a lack of interest in addressing their concerns.