Ukraine loses estimated EUR 1.5B amid blockade of western borders - expert

In just two months, Ukraine’s economy lost over EUR 1.5 billion due to strikes that blocked truck traffic across checkpoints on Ukraine’s borders with its western neighbors, members of the EU.

This was stated by the Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, Denys Marchuk, who spoke at a briefing at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

"In general, in November and December, the losses (from the blockade of the border) suffered by the country's economy, including commodity producers, amount to more than EUR 1.5 billion," he said.

Marchuk added that some Ukrainian entrepreneurs also lost contracts and customers in European countries due to the fact that the goods had not been delivered on time.

According to the expert, as a result of the blockade of checkpoints by protesters, the volume of agricultural exports by trucks dropped by 40%. Marchuk emphasized that exporters from Ukraine’s western regions, from where products are usually delivered to Europe by land routes, were most affected.

As reported, on November 6, Polish freight carriers blocked border crossing for Ukrainian trucks near the three largest checkpoints on the border with Ukraine: "Korczowa – Krakivets", "Grebenne - Rava-Ruska", and "Dorohusk - Yahodyn". Among the main demands was reinstatement of permits for Ukrainian carriers, revoked by the agreement with the European Union until June 30, 2024.

From January 6, truck traffic near the crossing checkpoint "Medica - Shehyny" was resumed. Three more checkpoints were unblocked on January 17.

On the territory of Romania, on January 13-14, local farmers blocked the movement of Ukrainian trucks through the Siret checkpoint. On January 15, the Vicovu-de-Sus checkpoint was also blocked. On January 18, Romanian farmers launched a blockade of the Diakove - Halmeu checkpoint. As of January 20, both checkpoints have been unblocked.