Polish and Ukrainian infrastructure ministers discussed border blockade by Polish truckers

Polish truckers blocked roads to three crossings with Ukraine on Monday, authorities said, to protest what they see as government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. One of their main demands is for Ukrainian truckers to receive a limited number of licenses.

More than 20,000 vehicles were blocked on both sides, according to the Ukrainian infrastructure ministry.

"Ukraine respects the right to protest and is ready for constructive dialogue to resolve the situation. This has been repeatedly underlined at all levels. At the same time, the blocking of the border by Polish protesters is disrupting logistical routes, which is already affecting the economies of both Ukraine and the European Union" - the ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday that protests had caused disruptions at three border crossing points, but that the other five were running normally.

The protests occurred amid an economic slowdown in Europe and after the European Union's 2022 relaxation of regulations for Ukrainian transport companies to ease the transport of goods into and out of the Eastern European country.

"It is important to note that no changes to or cancellation of the liberalisation agreement are being discussed. For its part, the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development is ready to help its Polish counterparts resolve the situation with the border blockade, providing all relevant explanations and holding meetings if necessary" - the Ukrainian government said.

Ukraine is a major global food producer, but its main Black Sea export routes have been blocked due to Russia's invasion, and traders are trying to send as many goods as possible via rail and the road borders with Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.