Ukrainian drivers go on hunger strike at Krakivets-Korchova checkpoint due to Polish border blockade
Ukrainian drivers stuck by the Polish border blockade went on a hunger strike at the Krakivets-Korchova checkpoint. The drivers claim that they have run out of food and fuel and are effectively being held hostage by the blockade.
Also, Donald Tusk, a potential future head of the Polish government, sharply criticized the current Polish leadership for its inaction in blocking the border with Ukraine. Since November 6, Polish carriers have been protesting at the border, demanding the restoration of border crossing permits for Ukrainian carriers, which were canceled under the EU agreement.
After the elections in Poland, pro-Russian Poles blocked the border with Ukraine, taking advantage of the transition period in power. The protesters are led by Rafal Meckler, the owner of transport companies that transported goods to Russia before the war. Obviously, this also plays into the hands of the Russians, as the protesters block critical cargo and often do not allow military supplies and humanitarian aid to pass through.
Radio Liberty asked experts how this could affect relations between Ukraine and Poland. As of November 29, the queues at the border have somewhat decreased, but the situation remains tense. Tusk said that the government’s inaction jeopardizes Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Polish Minister of Agriculture Anna Hembicka visited the border on November 28, pointing out the complexity of the situation due to Russian aggression and EU policy. She offered to help farmers.
On November 29, Polish Infrastructure Minister Alwin Gayadur met with the carriers blocking the border to discuss the possibility of taking urgent measures to tighten control.
Diplomat Ihor Kharchenko said that Ukraine had done everything possible to resolve the situation. Polish politician Mirosław Czek criticizes the government’s inaction in resolving the border crisis, pointing to potential political motivation behind the blockade.
Blocking the border and keeping Ukrainian drivers without means of livelihood looks very mean and cynical. Russian occupation forces have blocked Ukraine from the south, the skies are closed for civilian flights due to constant shelling by Russia, so the main route from Ukraine and back is the EU borders in the west. Blocking the only and most important routes for a country that is fighting for its survival is a threat not only to Ukraine’s national security, but also to Europe.
