Expert: We must be prepared that Poland will no longer be the largest transit route

Volodymyr Balin, Vice President of the Association of International Road Carriers (AsMAP), believes that Poland may cease to be the largest transit route for Ukrainian trucks to other EU countries.

He said this during a briefing at Ukraine Media Center – Ukrinform.

"We have to be prepared for the fact that Poland will no longer be the largest transit country for us to other countries of the European Union," Balin said.

He noted that Ukrainian freight carriers are actively using alternative routes across the border with other EU countries.

Read also: AsMAP offers European colleagues alternative to returning cargo transportation permits - Balin

According to Balin, all major checkpoints on the Ukrainian border with Poland remain blocked and only Medyka-Shehyni, which has a low capacity, is open.

As reported, on November 6, Polish carriers began a blockade of truck traffic near the three largest checkpoints on the border with Ukraine: Korczowa-Krakivets, Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska, and Dorohusk-Yahodyn.

Read also: Ukraine fulfils its part of agreements to unblock border with Poland – deputy minister

Among the main demands is the return of the practice of permits for Ukrainian carriers, which was abolished by the agreement with the EU until June 30, 2024.

On January 6, Poland resumed truck traffic on the road to the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing.