Slovakian drivers block border with Ukraine

Slovak truck drivers have begun blocking the border crossing with Ukraine, joining Poland in protesting against the EU's preferential treatment of Kiev's cargo trucks.

"We will block the border crossing with Ukraine and only allow four trucks to pass through per hour," Stanislav Skala, head of the Slovakian road transport union (UNAS), said on December 1, adding that military shipments, humanitarian aid, animals and perishable goods would still be allowed to pass.

On the morning of December 1, about 600 trucks were lined up at the Vysne Nemecke border crossing between Ukraine and Slovakia, Ukrainian Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said. The Vysne Nemecke border crossing is the only way for trucks from both countries to cross.

A Ukrainian truck driver stands next to a snow-covered truck near Bidovce, Slovakia, on November 28. Photo: Reuters — A Ukrainian truck driver stands next to a snow-covered truck near Bidovce, Slovakia, on November 28. Photo: *Reuters*

Earlier, Polish truck drivers blocked the border crossing with Ukraine, forcing many vehicles to divert to Slovakia and Hungary, further causing serious traffic congestion. Mr. Demchenko said about 1,000 trucks were waiting in line to pass through the Chop (Tysa) - Zachon border crossing from Hungary to Ukraine.

Four Ukrainian-Polish border crossings are being blocked, leaving more than 2,000 truck drivers stranded. Local media reported that two Ukrainian drivers died while waiting for days in freezing temperatures at the blocked border.

Polish truck drivers began blocking the border with Ukraine on November 6, protesting against the European Union (EU) exemption for Ukrainian truck drivers to cross the border. Polish drivers say the EU exemption has hurt their business.

Ukrainian officials have denied the accusations from the neighbouring country’s drivers. The EU has also warned the Polish government to ensure an end to the blockade of its border crossings with Ukraine by its drivers.

Poland and Slovakia have previously been at odds with Ukraine and imposed bans on agricultural imports from the country, saying they were damaging their farmers and domestic markets. However, Poland and Slovakia still allow Ukrainian agricultural products to transit through their territories for export to third countries.