Border Crossing Between Slovakia and Ukraine Blocked Due to Truck Dispute

On Tuesday, the border crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine was blocked by truckers, according to police and media reports. However, the Slovakian truckers’ union distanced itself from the blockade, claiming it was carried out by only one truck. Slovak truckers are supporting their Polish counterparts who are trying to limit the number of Ukrainian trucks entering the EU.

Last week, they staged a symbolic brief blockade of the main border crossing to show their support. But now, they have decided to wait for negotiations before taking further steps. Miloslav Tokar of the Slovak border police stated that the truckers blocked the Vysna Nemecka crossing at noon on Tuesday and were only allowing a limited number of Ukrainian trucks to cross. The Slovak News Agency TASR reported that a truck had blocked the crossing citing the Slovak transport union UNAS.

Union president Stanislav Skala told Reuters by phone that they would wait for talks by EU, Polish, and Ukrainian officials before officially joining any blockades of Polish colleague. Ukrainian customs announced on Telegram that “unknown persons blocked cargo traffic without any warning.” But also added that Ukraine had not received any official information from Slovak side about it. She said that they would start releasing trucks at 8 p.m., five an hour. Ukraine and Poland discussed blockades on their border last week but without progress