Photo from UNIAN
Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Ambassador Jan Tombinski says Western partners are concerned about the situation with Russian trucks transit through the territory of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Infrastructure Ministry reported.
It is noted that on February 19, Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Andriy Pyvovarsky and Ambassador Tombinski discussed the situation concerning freight transit.
"Mr. Tombinski voiced concerns of Ukraine's Western partners in view of the fact that most of freight traffic that goes through Ukrainian territory is heading for the EU. The international community hopes that Ukraine will remain a reliable transit country, and disruptions in transit flows would be temporary," the report said.
According to Pyvovarsky, the transit has been suspended temporarily, pending the resolution of the situation.
"The first step has already been made. According to the operational headquarters, the "going home" regime has been put in place, the number of applications has decreased significantly in the course of few days. The two sides allowed the movement of transport vehicles that had been earlier blocked, and drivers without interference are finalizing their journeys and returning home. No reports have been received about any possible adverse developments," the minister said.
He also noted that Ukraine is fully aware of its obligations to ensure unhindered and safe transit in accordance with international treaties, conventions and the requirements of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, as well as the requirements of the World Trade Organization.
"Moreover, it is in our national interest, because we seek to fulfill our transit potential. A failure to ensure transit flows can result in a situation when all other carriers would bypass Ukraine, not to expose their businesses to the risk of delay or traffic standstill. Therefore, the ministry is working to find a comprehensive solution to the situation," the minister emphasized.