Border

I spent several days in Warsaw on a project, then traveled by train to Chelm, Poland. From there, I engaged a taxi for the distance to the border with Ukraine. It is roughly 25 kilometers (15 miles) to the border. The entire distance was marked by cars and trucks waiting to cross. Since the driver wasn't crossing the border, he passed all those in line and dropped me just before the first checkpoint. Since there is not a pedestrian crossing at the location, I asked a van driver for a ride across the border. He dropped me off after going through the various passport and customs checks and immediately I got a ride to the next city in Ukraine where I caught the train Kyiv that night.

The driver told me that the line to enter Ukraine actually extended even further than Chelm. He thought it was about 30 kilometers (18+ miles) in total. Those in line have to wait 4 or 5 days to gain entry. The cars are full of people and/ or goods that Ukrainians are taking back for consumption or sale. Prices for goods are rising in Ukraine due to the war, Russia's blockade of the Ukrainian coastline,  worldwide supply chain issues. Poland and Ukraine have announced an agreement on joint customs to ease the burdens of travelers and truckers. 

It is tough enough to be away from home and family for months, but these unfortunate folks have to endure days of no toilets, bathing, hot food or decent rest. They are fortunate compare to some, though.

After crossing the border, there was a line of about 15 kilometers from Ukraine to Poland. All trucks.