Ukraine is negotiating with Poland and Slovakia to move customs control of grain trucks from border checkpoints deeper into the territories of these countries. The initiative aims to reduce risks for carriers, who are increasingly hit by Russian attacks while waiting at the border.
Financial Times reported on October 23, citing sources familiar with the negotiations. Polish outlet Rzeczpospolita also reported on the plans, citing FT.
According to the outlets, Kyiv seeks to move some procedures for processing agricultural cargo away from the Ukrainian border, where Russian drones have been attacking transport and border infrastructure in recent weeks. The buildup of trucks near border crossings poses additional risks to drivers, cargo and logistics companies.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi told Financial Times that Russia is trying to disrupt freight transport and the operation of border crossings. According to him, the Ukrainian side wants to complete negotiations with Poland as soon as possible.
A similar mechanism of joint border control is already used on some routes with Moldova. Ukraine expects to extend this practice to other neighboring states.
Meanwhile, according to Polish TVP World, Warsaw is ready to consider moving checks to its territory on condition of joint work by Polish and Ukrainian services. No final decision has been made yet. The new procedure should also comply with EU legislation.
The issue of land transport security has become particularly important after the reduction of Ukraine's maritime exports. Due to Russian strikes on Black Sea ports and commercial vessels, agricultural companies are forced to use road, rail and river routes through the European Union more actively.
According to Agrarian Policy Minister Taras Vysotskyi, in September Ukraine exported 2.4 million tons of agricultural products, which was only 46% of the potential volume. Damage to port infrastructure and shipping restrictions have substantially reduced crop export capacity.
According to the European Commission, in September about 90% of Ukrainian exports of grain, oilseed crops and related products passed through the so-called solidarity corridors. Black Sea ports accounted for approximately 10% of such shipments.
Moving customs checks could reduce the threat to drivers and border service workers, as well as reduce the risk of prolonged transport stoppages due to air raid alerts. However, introducing the new mechanism requires agreements with neighboring states and appropriate legal formalization.
Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia have so far not announced the launch of new processing points for grain trucks. The timing of any changes has not been determined.
Sources: Financial Times, Rzeczpospolita, TVP World
