Romanian farmers continue to block two border crossings with Ukraine

The Siret-Porubne and Vicovu de Sus-Krasnoilsk border crossings on the Ukrainian-Romanian border remain blocked by protesting Romanian farmers, despite an agreement reached with the Romanian government, Ihor Zarudnyev, an assistant to the head of Chernivtsi regional Border Guard Service, told Ukrinform news agency on Jan. 17.

According to Zarudnyev, the Siret-Porubne checkpoint has been blocked for the third day in a row. On Jan.17, Romanian border guards let through the first batch of 10 trucks, but vehicles exiting Ukraine were not processed.

Read also: Polish truckers unblock two border crossings with Ukraine after deal with government

Over 1,100 trucks have registered in the electronic queue to pass through Porubne. About 60 trucks are waiting at the Vicovu de Sus-Krasnoilsk checkpoint, which also remains blocked, Zarudnyev reported.

Read also: Negotiations to lift Romanian trucker blockade at Ukrainian border fail

On Jan. 15, the Romanian Agriculture Ministry and representatives of major agricultural organizations reached an agreement on the farmers' 13 demands. The government committed to fully subsidizing all agricultural excises until 2026 and to extend low-interest loans to the industry.

However, farmers' representative Marius Micu noted that the signed agreement does not mean an immediate cessation of protests, which could continue until Jan. 18.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine