The fallout from a weeks-long protest by Polish and Slovak truckers on the shared border with Ukraine has had catastrophic consequences, according to Ukrainian officials. Since early November, Polish truckers have been blocking major crossings for cargo vehicles, demanding the reintroduction of entry permits for their Ukrainian competitors. This has led to huge queues on both sides of the border, with drivers stuck in their vehicles for days in cold temperatures and with little food. Kyiv has reported that approximately 2,100 trucks attempting to enter Ukraine have been blocked on the Polish side.

Ukrainian drivers are now planning to go on a hunger strike if the situation does not improve. The Ukrainian government has started preparations for the evacuation of drivers from blocked checkpoints on Polish territory and is also preparing to supply drivers with essential provisions. Despite two rounds of talks between Kyiv, Warsaw, and the European Union, the protests continue. Polish and Slovak truckers argue that the removal of entry permits for Ukrainian competitors has led to unfair competition and significant financial losses.

Relations between Poland and Ukraine have been strained during Poland's recent parliamentary election, as the ruling party increased nationalist rhetoric and engaged in disputes with Kyiv. Meanwhile, Slovak truckers have joined the protest, allowing only four trucks per hour to enter Ukraine at the Vysne Nemecke checkpoint. This united front aims to limit competition from Ukrainian hauliers. The Ukrainian border agency has warned of disruptions in cargo traffic at the Vysne Nemecke crossing but assured that traffic will not be blocked when entering Slovakia. The protest from Slovak truckers comes after the new government in Bratislava blocked a military aid package to Ukraine earlier this month.