Four major crossings between Poland and Ukraine were blocked to truck traffic on Thursday, with Polish farmers blocking the last crossing after protests resumed, France Presse and Agerpres reported.

Protest of Polish truck drivers on the border with UkrainePhoto: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

“After the holiday break in the morning, we resumed the blockade of the border post “Medyk” because we do not have a written agreement with the Polish government,” said one of the organizers of the protest, adding that in the absence of an agreement with the government of Donald Tusk, to fulfill their demands, the blockade of this crossing will continue until February 3.

The other three main points of the border between Poland and Ukraine have been blocked since the beginning of November due to the protest of Polish truckers, who condemn the “unfair competition” of their Ukrainian counterparts, who have received permission to operate freely in Poland and other EU countries. state “We are in talks with the (Polish) government, but so far to no avail,” said a representative of the carriers.

At each of the four border points blocked by protesters, only three trucks per hour pass, as well as the movement of light vehicles and the transportation of humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine.

To help Ukraine in its war with Russia, Brussels abolished customs duties and quality controls on agricultural products imported from Ukraine, causing the prices of grain and other food to fall below the cost of local agricultural producers, who suffered losses in their business and demanded compensation. For their part, Polish motor carriers demand the restoration of entry permits for Ukrainian carriers, which were withdrawn along with other economic objects granted to Ukraine by the EU.

Poland’s new prime minister, Donald Tusk, said on Wednesday he would try to convince protesters “not to use the blockade as a way to protect their interests” as Russian bombing and military operations escalate in Ukraine. He promised them that he would “do everything” in negotiations with Ukraine to protect their interests “in this unequal competition,” but asked them to desist from their actions, claiming that “our arguments will be better heard when Poland is no more.” a country that blocks the border.”

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