The Polish farmers’ protests follow a recent two-month blockade by Polish truckers at major border crossings, attempting to address local issues by disrupting imports to and exports from war-ravaged Ukraine. However, the demonstrations are also the result of anger over economic, regulatory, and the EU’s green policies.
Farmers across the bloc say that the costs of energy, fertilizer, and transport have risen, particularly in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine, CNN reported.
Blockade of Dorohusk
On 18 February, truck traffic at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn international checkpoint at the Ukrainian-Polish border was completely blocked, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
According to the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the Polish farmers who have been blocking the checkpoint since 9 February are joined by farmers from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, Suspilne reports. Polish customs officials warned the Ukrainian side about the large-scale protest, the Ukrainian public television channel Suspline reported.
Farmers blocked the access to the border terminal. Currently, there are several hundred people in front of Dorohusk, and more farmers are arriving. The protest is secured by the police.
Warsaw has been Kyiv's staunchest supporter against Russia but relations have taken a hit by several economic disputes in recent months, according to the Reuters News Agency.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who traveled to meet Zelensky in Kyiv last month, has urged both sides to find a compromise.
Sunday is day 725 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR, Suspline, Reuters