We are very concerned about the current developments in Ukraine and hope that an agreement and an end to the war can be reached quickly. Our sympathy goes to the local people who are now suddenly exposed to war and have to fear for their lives!
In the following we would like to share with you the current information from the forwarding association SLV, which is primarily relevant to road logistics. It is currently uncertain what effects will arise on capacities and prices in air freight.
It can be assumed that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will probably also have an impact on our global supply chain and prices of goods, depending on how the crisis develops. In addition to the disruptions, especially in the area of rail freight, the events could also further exacerbate global inflation in the supply chain.
The German medium-sized transport industry is already heavily burdened by the constantly rising energy prices. The Europe-wide shortage of drivers, which will now increase, should also be viewed critically.
Information from the German Forwarding Association on the situation in Ukraine
Ukraine has them Border crossing points with Belarus closed. The information systems of the Ukrainian customs authorities work intermittently, but some procedures can only be performed manually. Significant delays in the processing of freight data and customs clearance are therefore to be expected. Transport companies are currently advised to change their itineraries to alternate routes to avoid delays. Polish customs have confirmed that their borders with Ukraine are open. Customs clearance for freight after Poland works normally. However, the Polish authorities are currently giving priority to passenger transport, so trucks and commercial vehicles must expect delays. All border crossings between Moldova and Ukraine are currently open; however, the Kuchurgan border crossing between Ukraine and Transnistria is closed. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) continues to monitor borders in the region and in particular the queues and issues commercial drivers may be facing. In this context, the DSLV is happy to accept information (RWintjes@dslv.spediteure.de) which serve to better assess the situation.
In response to the Russian Federation's decision to recognize the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities, and the subsequent decision to deploy Russian troops to those areas, the EU issued a sanctions package against Russia decided to announce that in the EU Official Journal L 42 I entered into force on February 23, 2022. The sanctions, in addition to those imposed in 2014 against Russia Embargo apply include the following measures:
- Within the existing sanctions framework, the restrictive measures will be extended to all 351 members of the Russian State Duma who voted in favor of the appeal to President Putin to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed "Republic of Donetsk and Luhansk" on February 15, 2022
- In addition, targeted restrictive measures will be imposed on another 27 high-level individuals and entities who have played a role in undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. This includes decision-makers such as members of the government who were involved in the illegal decisions; Banks and businessmen/oligarchs supporting or profiting from Russian financial or material businesses in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts; senior military officers who played a role in the invasion and destabilization efforts; and individuals responsible for a disinformation war against Ukraine.
- Restrictive measures include, an asset freeze and a ban on providing funds to listed persons and entities. In addition, a travel ban that applies to the listed persons prevents their entry into or transit through the territory of the EU.
- There is a ban on imports of goods from the non-state territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, restrictions on trade and investment related to certain sectors of the economy, a ban on the provision of tourism services, and a ban on exports of certain goods and technologies.
- A sectoral ban on financing the Russian Federation, its government and the Central Bank will be introduced. By restricting the ability of the Russian state and government to access EU capital, financial markets and services, the EU aims to limit the financing of escalating and aggressive political actions.