The Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Zharych, has strongly criticized the Polish truckers who have blocked several border crossings with Ukraine since Monday. The truckers are protesting against a transport visa-free agreement that allows Ukrainian carriers to operate in the European Union without permits.
Zharych said the blockade was a “painful strike in the back” for Ukraine, which is facing a military threat from Russia and needs the support of its European partners. He called on the Polish authorities to intervene and restore the normal flow of goods and people across the border.
The Polish truckers claim that the visa-free deal gives an unfair advantage to Ukrainian carriers, who can offer lower prices and undercut the Polish market. They also accused Ukraine of violating the agreement by allowing third-country trucks to enter Poland via Ukraine.