Losses at the borders: how the blocking of checkpoints affects the Ukrainian economy
23 January 2024 23:03
Ukraine’s economy suffered losses in the amount of more than 1.5 billion euros due to the suspension of operations at the checkpoints of the western borders during the last two months. Denis Marchuk, deputy chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, said this at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine Ukrinform, reports 
“During November and December, the country’s losses, including those of goods producers, are estimated at more than 1.5 billion euros due to the blocking of the border,” he said.
Marchuk also noted that Ukrainian businessmen faced the loss of contracts and customers in Europe because the goods were not delivered on time.
The expert emphasized that as a result of the blockade of checkpoints, the total volume of agricultural exports by road transport decreased by 40%. According to him, exporters from the western regions of Ukraine, who traditionally export products to the EU by land transport, were the most affected.
It should be noted that on November 6, Polish transport companies began to block the movement of trucks near three main checkpoints on the Ukrainian border: “Korczowa – Krakovets”, “Grębennе – Rava-Ruska” and “Dorohusk – Yahodyn”. One of the requirements was the restoration of permits for Ukrainian carriers, canceled under the agreement with the EU by June 30, 2024.
From January 6, the movement of trucks to the border crossing point “Medyka – Shegyny” was resumed in Poland. Three other checkpoints were opened on January 17, namely “Dorohusk – Yahodyn”, “Grębennе – Rava-Ruska” and “Korczowa – Krakovets”.
In Romania, on January 13 and 14, local farmers blocked the movement of Ukrainian trucks through the Siret checkpoint, and on January 15, the “Vykovu de Sus” checkpoint began to be blocked. On January 18, Romanian farmers began a blockade of the Dyakove – Halmeu checkpoint. However, as of January 20, these checkpoints were open.
