Ukraine holds talks with Poland and Moldova on relocating border checks to their territory

Ukraine is holding talks with Poland and Moldova on relocating border checks to neighboring countries due to the threat of Russian attacks on border infrastructure. The new inspection arrangements are intended to ensure uninterrupted freight and passenger transport even if border crossing facilities on the Ukrainian side are damaged. Relocating border controls would also reduce risks for border guards, customs officers, and transport operators, according to TVP World and Moldova 1.

Poland has expressed its willingness to consider conducting border checks on its territory, provided that Ukrainian and Polish authorities work jointly. However, European Union legislation does not allow officials from third countries to independently conduct border controls within the Schengen Area. This applies to both document checks and inspections of goods for compliance with European standards. Warsaw has not yet made a final decision, and the introduction of the new mechanism would require notifying the European Commission.

In Moldova, negotiations have already reached the implementation stage. According to local authorities, Ukraine and Moldova have reached agreements on organizing border controls on Moldovan territory at two border crossing points. In particular, at the Criva–Mamaliga crossing, Ukrainian border guards are already inspecting vehicles leaving Ukraine on the Moldovan side of the border. Similar arrangements are planned for vehicles entering Ukraine.

The need to revise border control arrangements emerged following increased security risks near Ukraine’s borders. Moldova previously withdrew its border guards and customs officers from four crossing points located on Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, Poland is also considering changes to border control procedures due to the threat of Russian strikes on border facilities. Such risks could lead to temporary closures of border crossings and disruptions to international transport flows.

Relocating border controls to neighboring countries could provide an additional mechanism to protect Ukraine’s international logistics during the war. For exporters and importers, this would primarily mean maintaining transport connections even if infrastructure on the Ukrainian side is damaged. Further implementation of these arrangements will depend on interstate agreements, the security situation, and coordination of border guard and customs procedures.

Tags: Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, border checks