While Medyka–Shehyni has reopened, three other Polish–Ukrainian border posts—Hrebenne, Korczowa and Yahodyn—remain blockaded, leaving roughly 4,000 HGVs queued on Polish roads on the morning of 29 November, according to Border Guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko . Waiting times at Yahodyn exceeded 21 days for some drivers, causing major disruption to east-west supply chains.
Economic impact: The European Business Association in Ukraine estimates the stand-off is costing exporters €12 million per day in demurrage, spoilage and missed contracts. Poultry producers say up to 30 % of refrigerated cargo has had to be re-routed through Slovakia, while auto-parts manufacturers in Silesia report production slow-downs due to missing components.
![4,000 trucks still stuck as Polish carrier protests persist at three crossings]()
Political backdrop: Polish unions argue the EU’s permit-free regime has flooded their market with lower-cost Ukrainian transport firms. Kyiv counters that the policy is part of wartime solidarity and essential for keeping its economy afloat. Brussels has urged Warsaw to enforce free movement but acknowledged that Schengen states may impose “proportionate” controls during serious disturbances.
Outlook: Talks scheduled for 4 December may ease tensions, but hauliers warn they will not lift pickets until a quota system is reinstated or significant subsidies are offered. Companies should expect at least another week of disruption and build contingency stock where possible.
Risk mitigation tips:
• Consider rail-freight options via the Izov–Hrubieszów gauge-change facility.
• Switch food and pharma cargo to the Koroszczyn intermodal terminal, which currently has shorter queues.
• Negotiate split-delivery clauses with clients to reduce late-penalty exposure.
Economic impact: The European Business Association in Ukraine estimates the stand-off is costing exporters €12 million per day in demurrage, spoilage and missed contracts. Poultry producers say up to 30 % of refrigerated cargo has had to be re-routed through Slovakia, while auto-parts manufacturers in Silesia report production slow-downs due to missing components.
Political backdrop: Polish unions argue the EU’s permit-free regime has flooded their market with lower-cost Ukrainian transport firms. Kyiv counters that the policy is part of wartime solidarity and essential for keeping its economy afloat. Brussels has urged Warsaw to enforce free movement but acknowledged that Schengen states may impose “proportionate” controls during serious disturbances.
Outlook: Talks scheduled for 4 December may ease tensions, but hauliers warn they will not lift pickets until a quota system is reinstated or significant subsidies are offered. Companies should expect at least another week of disruption and build contingency stock where possible.
Risk mitigation tips:
• Consider rail-freight options via the Izov–Hrubieszów gauge-change facility.
• Switch food and pharma cargo to the Koroszczyn intermodal terminal, which currently has shorter queues.
• Negotiate split-delivery clauses with clients to reduce late-penalty exposure.
