Ukrainian long-haul truckers stranded at Polish border complain of unbearable conditions

Ukrainian truck drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated due to the ongoing protests by Polish transporters at the border. They are experiencing significant delays—up to 16 days—just to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border in Dorohusk, Polsat TV reported.

The long queues, spanning nearly 30 kilometers with approximately 1200 vehicles, have led to dire conditions for the drivers. Ukrainian truckers find it challenging to maintain basic hygiene while waiting, and their patience, money, and supplies are running thin. Meanwhile, Polish transporters are also feeling the pressure. They acknowledge their support for the Ukrainian drivers but emphasize the need to prioritize their families and businesses. The situation has escalated tensions on both sides of the border, prompting Polish carriers to calculate their financial losses.

A British radio station reporter observed that Ukrainian truck drivers have been sleeping in their trucks for over a week as the waiting time persists. The frustration is palpable, with concerns about survival and sustenance for both Ukrainian and Polish drivers. The chairman of the strike committee in Dorohusk expressed the unexpected impact on their market due to the European Union’s lifting of restrictions on Ukrainian carriers. He stressed the necessity of supporting Ukraine while also safeguarding their own families and businesses, as their companies now face a critical question of survival.