Poland-Ukraine border talks escalate to ministerial level amid Polish carriers' strikes

Negotiations on unblocking the border with Poland, where Polish carriers are on strike, reached the level of ministers, the Ministry of Infrastructure reported.

On Thursday, Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov discussed the issue with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Adamczyk.

The Ukriainian department estimates that 20,000 vehicles are currently blocked on both sides of the border.

"Ukraine respects the right to protest and is ready for a constructive dialogue to resolve the situation. The key is that no changes or cancellation of the [transport] liberalization agreement are discussed," the message reads.

The Ministry is ready to help Polish colleagues to resolve the situation with unblocking the border, provide all relevant explanations and hold meetings.

On November 6, Polish carriers initiated industrial action along the Polish-Ukrainian border, disrupting freight movements at major checkpoints in the afternoon. At issue was the carriers' demand to scrap Ukraine's "visa-free regime" for transport operators, according to the State Border Service of Ukraine, which noted the difficulties caused by the trucking slowdown.

Ambassador of Ukraine Vasyl Zvarych said that most of the demands of the strikers are unrealistic.