Checkpoint blocking on Poland’s border with Ukraine of “political” nature - Ambassador Zvarych

That’s according to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Zvarych, Ukrinform reports.

"The blocking of the border crossing in Dorohusk for Ukrainian carriers is purely political while the stated reasons for the blocking have nothing to do with reality," Zvarych said in a statement.

In a Facebook posting, he noted that cargo was shipped between Ukraine and Poland on a parity basis in accordance with the agreement between Ukraine and the EU on road freight transportation. The ambassador emphasized that no one in Ukraine required “permits” for Polish carriers.

"Polish carriers are welcome (in Ukraine - ed.), there are no fines for the lack of permits, we can resolve misunderstandings not by blocking but by dialogue," ambassador wrote.

According to Zvarych, those who initiated the blockade in the wake of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, be it unknowingly or not, help Russia economically humiliate Ukraine.

"I call on the protesters to lift the blockade to allow free movement (of trucks - ed.) and to cooperate well. Help us defeat the aggressor, together we can do this. Otherwise, it will be impossible to block with trucks the advance of Russian barbarians across the border," Zvarych stressed.

Earlier, the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure of Ukraine reported that from the morning of May 4, the Polish side suspended border clearance of both inbound and outbound trucks, only allowing the exit from Poland by vehicles carrying humanitarian aid, hazardous material, and animals.

The escalation is due to a strike by Polish carriers outside the Dorohusk checkpoint. Among the protesters' demands is the return of permits for international road freight transportation for Ukrainian carriers as their enter Poland. It is also about the application of the EURO4 environmental standard to Ukrainian carriers as it is applied to Polish carriers in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already appealed to its Polish colleagues to help resolve the conflict.

Nearly 40% of Ukraine’s cargo flow to Poland goes through the Yahodyn – Dorohusk border checkpoint therefore the blocking is causing a critical situation for Ukrainian exports.