Polish heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers took to the border crossings on Monday, blocking three entry points to Ukraine. They rallied against what they believe is a significant loss of business to foreign competitors, mainly Russian and Belarusian companies, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, they expressed their frustration with the perceived inaction of the Polish government in handling the situation.

The dispute bears resemblance to an earlier protest led by Polish farmers, who were similarly aggrieved by what they saw as pressure on their domestic market due to increased imports from Ukraine. These imports, which would have otherwise been exported via sea routes during peacetime, caused concern among domestic farmers. One of the key grievances of the Polish truckers is the exemption granted to Ukrainian truckers from seeking permits to cross the Polish border since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. This discrepancy raised concerns about fair competition and prompted Polish truckers to call for the reintroduction of restrictions on the number of Ukraine-registered HGVs entering Poland.

Furthermore, the truckers demanded that transport companies with capital from outside the European Union be banned from operating in Poland. Allegedly, Russian and Belarusian businesses have been establishing entities within Poland to maintain a foothold in the EU market. Responding to the situation, Oleksandr Kubrakov, a minister in Ukraine's government's Ministry for the Restoration of Ukraine, emphasized Kyiv's commitment to resolving the conflict. Kubrakov acknowledged the damaging effects the border blockage has on both countries' interests and economies. He assured that constructive dialogue is being pursued, taking into account the concerns of carriers from both nations.

In Warsaw, the Ukrainian ambassador, Vasyl Zvarych, expressed his disappointment with the border blockage, referring to it as a painful stab in the back for Kyiv. Zvarych's remarks highlighted the detrimental impact of the situation on Ukraine's export of agricultural products and called for swift resolution. As the standoff continues, both the Polish and Ukrainian governments, along with the European Commission, are actively working towards finding a solution that addresses the concerns of the truckers while minimizing the negative impact on bilateral relations and trade.