Ukraine’s State Border Guard has announced new procedures at the border with Poland, focusing on empty trucks traveling toward Poland. The measure targets the Uhrynów-Dołhobycz border crossing, with officials in Kyiv stating that the longer-term aim is to unblock all border points along the shared frontier. The shift is presented as a strategic step to ease bottlenecks and improve traffic flow across the corridor between Ukraine and Poland.
Starting on the morning of December 4, border guards at the Uhrynów crossing on the route to Ukraine cleared 30 trucks with a permitted weight of up to 7.5 tons. Access to the border crossing follows a general queue system, without prior registration, according to reports. The move reflects a practical approach to streamline operations at a chokepoint that has seen persistent congestion and fluctuating throughput as the region manages crossing demand.
Ukrainian Border Guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko mentioned in a televised briefing that around 100 trucks were waiting to enter Poland at the Uhrynov border crossing. He noted that the intention behind the new practice is to progressively unblock all border crossings along the Ukrainian-Polish line, signaling a coordinated effort to restore smoother bilateral traffic and commerce. This initiative is framed as a foundational step in a broader plan to restore normal operations across the border network.
Unlocking the border
A day earlier, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov explained that opening the Uhryniv-Dołhobychiv crossing to empty trucks is the first item on a broader list of measures designed to unfreeze the border. The plan prioritizes removing barriers that have hindered freight movement and economic activity, while balancing the needs of the Polish and Ukrainian sides. The crossing had previously served only passenger cars and buses, underscoring the shift toward freight movements at this location as part of the opening strategy. The authorities emphasized that the goal is to lift the blockade as quickly as possible, with careful consideration given to market needs and state interests.
Since November 6, Polish transporters have been protesting at several border crossings with Ukraine, including Dorohusk, Hrebenne, and Korczowa. The demonstrations have allowed only a limited number of vehicles to pass per hour, drawing attention to the demands from the transport sector. Among the protesters’ key requests are the creation of a separate queue for cars returning to Poland without goods and the introduction of commercial permits for Ukrainian companies to move goods, excluding humanitarian aid and supplies for the Ukrainian armed forces. There are also calls to suspend permits for companies established after the onset of the conflict and to tighten their inspection. Additionally, there is a push to remove the electronic queue system on the Ukrainian side, aiming to simplify procedures for cross-border traffic.
Separately, farmers have been voicing concerns at the Medyka crossing since November 23, with organizers indicating their action will continue through January 3, 2024. The overlapping protests reflect broader tensions around border logistics, regulatory reforms, and the economic pressures facing both sides as they navigate supply chains and humanitarian considerations in a fragile regional environment.
What this means in practical terms is an ongoing effort to recalibrate border processes to accommodate a higher volume of cross-border freight while addressing the political and economic concerns raised by stakeholders on both sides of the border. The discussions touch on queues for returning vehicles, permit regimes for commercial cargo, and the management of existing electronic systems that regulate entry. Authorities have signaled an intent to pursue a coordinated response that supports trade and movement, while safeguarding security and orderly crossings.
Analysts note that the border situation is closely tied to broader regional dynamics, including logistics planning, European Union border policies, and bilateral coordination with Poland. The unfolding steps at Uhryniv-Dołhobychiv could set a precedent for how other crossings along the corridor are prioritized or restructured in the near term, with potential ripple effects for freight operators, trucking firms, and regional markets dependent on cross-border commerce. Observers will be watching whether the changes translate into measurable improvements in throughput and reduced waiting times at key points along the line.
Public statements from government officials reaffirm a commitment to advancing practical, results-oriented measures. The emphasis rests on ensuring that border operations align with economic priorities while maintaining orderly, secure crossings. The evolving program appears to be a test bed for policy adjustments that may inform similar efforts elsewhere in the region, underscoring the delicate balance between facilitating trade and protecting national security and regulatory integrity.
In the broader context, the border tension reflects a period of intense scrutiny over supply chains and regional mobility. As the situation develops, stakeholders across the political and economic spectrum will weigh the benefits of streamlined movement against the need for robust oversight. The coming weeks are expected to reveal how these border management changes perform in real-time, influencing decisions by transport operators, industry associations, and policymakers alike.
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Note: The information above reflects reporting from multiple outlets and official briefings as of the time of publication. Readers are encouraged to monitor official announcements for updates on border policies and traffic conditions along the Ukraine-Poland border.