Ukrainian farmers positioned damaged agricultural machinery at the border crossing near Krakowiec-Korczów in Poland. The action aims to illustrate to Polish demonstrators the challenges faced by farmers in Ukraine and how the sector continues to operate under wartime conditions, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture.
Destroyed Ukrainian equipment brought to the border
The equipment displayed at the border, ruined during the war initiated by Russia, includes tractors, a GAZ-53 truck, and combine harvesters. These machines were originally imported from Kherson Oblast and later liberated from Russian occupation.
The K-701 tractor came from a company in Bilozirka, Kherson Oblast. The farm was under occupation from March to November 2022, during which most equipment was destroyed and crops were stolen.
The Ministry of Agriculture noted that the losses were significant, with direct damages estimated at around €5 million. After sustained hostilities, the premises showed only ruins and cratered surfaces, reflecting the heavy toll on local farming infrastructure.
Farmers report that their fight is inextricably tied to protecting the harvest and the livelihoods tied to it. In 2023, Kherson Oblast saw injuries among farmers caused by mines in areas not under occupation, and several fatalities. Across Ukraine, the agricultural sector faced substantial direct losses and damages during two years of large-scale hostilities.
Farmers’ protest
Across Poland, farmers have organized multiple demonstrations in recent days. Roadways, highways, and border crossings with Ukraine have seen blockades as farmers express concerns about Ukrainian goods and the European Union’s Green Deal. The protests reflect tensions over trade policy and the impact on domestic agriculture.
In response, authorities announced measures to protect essential movement and aid routes. The government stated that certain border crossings and critical infrastructure corridors would receive heightened protection to ensure that military and humanitarian support can reach Ukraine without delay.
Statements from political leaders and industry representatives have underscored the deep emotions involved and the perceived need to balance open trade with the protection of local farming livelihoods. The situation remains dynamic as parties discuss options to address both transport safety and agricultural concerns.
Source notes on the record indicate that the conflict has driven farmers to voice needs loudly, while observers stress the importance of maintaining civil dialogue and ensuring that any actions remain within the framework of laws and democratic norms.