Ukraine is discussing with Poland and Slovakia the relocation of customs checks to protect grain trucks from Russian attacks

Ukraine is discussing with Poland and Slovakia the relocation of customs checks for trucks carrying grain and other agricultural products from the border to locations inside the two countries. The measure would aim to reduce the risk of Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian shipments, which have been hit in recent weeks near the borders with European Union states.

Kyiv wants to reach an agreement with Poland as soon as possible, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry announced that joint checkpoints already exist at the border with the Republic of Moldova and that the initiative could be extended to other neighbors, including Poland.

Russian attacks on border crossing points with Romania, Moldova and Poland have intensified since August. Drones have also targeted Ukrainian seaports and vessels in the region, reducing agricultural exports by approximately half, according to Ukraine’s agriculture minister.

Against this backdrop, Ukraine has shifted an increasing share of its exports to road, river and rail routes through the European Union, following the blockade of traditional maritime transport through the Black Sea. The attacks have caused queues at the border, with more than 1,200 trucks waiting on Wednesday to enter Ukraine through a crossing point in the Volyn region. The European Commission also supports transferring customs checks to the Moldovan side of the border.