Appeal of Non-Governmental Organizations to the Government and the President of the Republic of Poland

For more than three weeks a group of Polish hauliers has been blocking the main checkpoints on the Polish-Ukrainian border. As a result of this blockade, the Ukrainian economy, which is operating under wartime conditions, is suffering losses in the millions, and some companies have been forced to cease their activities. There are serious delays in the delivery of humanitarian aid and aid to the Ukrainian army, which is mainly organized by public organizations and private individuals. The blockade destroys the trust and image of Poland, which is considered in Ukraine as the main ally in the fight against the Russian aggressor. For the Ukrainian and international public this is an incomprehensible act of hostility and turning away from the Ukrainian people who are fighting for freedom and survival.

We understand the difficult situation of the Polish carriers, who, on their own, without the support of the Polish state, are acting to protect their vital interests. While respecting their right to protect their livelihood and dignity, we express our concern that in the context of an ongoing war, the chosen form of protest may lead to serious consequences for Ukraine’s military efforts and our mutual relations.

We stand in solidarity with the call of Ukrainian public organizations to end the blockade, published a few days ago, and call on the Polish authorities: the government and the president to urgently start negotiations with the protesters on the conditions for ending this form of protest. The continuation of the blockade of the border crossings is a threat to the functioning of the Ukrainian state and thus to the security of Poland.

We call on the organizers of the blockade to abandon this form of protest. We urge them not to escalate the conflict and to try to resolve it through negotiations and talks.

We call upon the Polish Government, the President and all interested parties to start negotiations as soon as possible, which will lead to a systemic solution ensuring fair conditions of competition between Ukrainian and European Union carriers.

Center of International Relations, Warsaw

Foundation of the Center named after Prof. Bronislaw Geremek, Warsaw

CultureLab Foundation, Warsaw

Education for Democracy Foundation, Warsaw

Stefan Batory Foundation, Warsaw

East Initiative Foundation, Warsaw

Liberté! Foundation, Lodz

„Ukrainski Dim” Foundation, Warsaw

Village Support Fund, Warsaw

„Zakordon” Group, Warsaw

„Stand with Ukraine Foundation, Warsaw

Euromaidan-Warsaw Public Initiative