In a dramatic display of frustration, several dozen owners of transport companies in Poland blocked three major border crossings with Ukraine on Monday. They were protesting against what they consider to be unfair competition from Ukrainian businesses. The blockages occurred at the crossing points in Hrebenne, Korczowa, and Dorohusk.

The protesters, who lined up their trucks at the border checkpoint in Dorohusk, demanded the restoration of fair competition rules. They blamed the liberalization of European Union (EU) regulations for the decline in their revenues. The EU had waived the system of permits for Ukrainian transport companies to enter the bloc following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Polish transport companies argue that this move caused an influx of Ukrainian competitors, leading to a slump in their profits. The lower costs of servicing a truck, hiring a driver, opening a business, and paying social insurance in Ukraine have allowed Ukrainian businesses to drive down prices and gain a larger share of the cargo market.

Rafal Mekler, one of the protest co-organizers, expressed their demand for the restoration of fair competition rules. "We want the rules of fair competition to be restored," he said. Marek Oklinski, a transport company owner, highlighted the disparity in costs between the two countries, stating, "Their costs are much lower, and they take the cargo that we used to carry."

The infrastructure ministry of Poland responded to the protests, acknowledging the demands of the protesting companies but stating that the reinstatement of the system of permits for Ukrainian carriers was not possible due to EU rules. They explained that an agreement reached by the EU must be respected until it expires, emphasizing that Poland cannot reintroduce the permits system until then.

The protests have resulted in a significant disruption of cargo traffic at the border, with almost all transport blocked by the demonstrators. The situation has led to concerns about the impact on trade and transport between Poland and Ukraine.

As the blockages continue, the protest has garnered attention both in Ukraine and abroad. Supporters of Ukraine have criticized the actions, accusing the protesters of hindering the flow of humanitarian aid and passenger traffic. Meanwhile, opponents of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and those critical of aid to Ukraine have seized upon the protest as evidence of underlying issues within the country's business environment.

Poland's infrastructure ministry has called on the protesters to end the blockages, emphasizing the limitations imposed by EU regulations. However, as the standoff continues, it remains uncertain how the situation will be resolved and whether any measures will be taken to address the concerns raised by the Polish transport companies.