Poland close to ending blockade of Ukraine border: PM

The Polish government is taking steps to 'swiftly resolve' the standoff between Polish and Ukrainian transport companies and "quickly lift" the blockade of the Polish-Ukrainian border, the prime minister has said.  

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meets reporters in Warsaw on December 27, 2023.

PAP/Leszek Szymański

Donald Tusk made the statement at a news conference following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, according to news outlets.

The prime minister told the media the government was making efforts to "effectively represent the interests of Polish carriers and drivers," so as to end the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border.

Tusk added that Polish officials were holding talks "in Kyiv and in Brussels," which "can bring results" and "quickly lift the blockade on the border."

Polish hauliers have been blocking the Korczowa, Hrebenne and Dorohusk checkpoints with Ukraine, demanding that the European Union reinstate permits for Ukrainian transport companies entering the bloc, the Kyiv Post website reported.

The EU waived the permits system following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but Polish road carriers say the move had undermined their earnings, according to news outlets. 

Poland close to ending border blockade with Ukraine - Prime Minister Tusk

"I don't think we will achieve the maximum that truckers want, but it seems that what can be achieved will allow us to defuse emotions and lift the blockade on the border." pic.twitter.com/lM3RkzqPnF

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 27, 2023

Thursday is day 673 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

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Source: Interfax-Ukraine, NEXTA, polskieradio24.pl