Migrants on the Belarus-Poland border have caused logistic problems for Russian food producers, who are suffering losses and may have to temporarily cease production if the situation worsens.

Belarus has closed several border crossings with Poland for cargo transport as the European Union accuses Minsk of pushing migrants, mostly from the Middle East, to illegally cross their borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-heads-to-cyprus-aiming-to-highlight-plight-of-migrants-433650">Pope Francis heads to Cyprus, aiming to highlight plight of migrants</a>

There are long queues of trucks at the four functioning Poland-Belarus border crossings out of the total six. According to Belarus' border service, Lithuania's six crossings are open.

Food producers use the trucks to transport goods and raw materials to Belarus and Russia.

There are typically 400-600 trucks at the crossings into Belarus from Poland at any given time, which causes normal waiting times of 12-24 hours to average 2-4 days.

Every day spent waiting costs 500 euros, which has pushed up transportation costs. An alternative crossing route costs between 300 and 400 euros, sources said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-belarus-433659">EU imposes fresh sanctions on Belarus</a>

Another source on the market said that Russian importers have not yet suffered large losses, as last week's losses had been getting worse, but this week they are slightly better.

"If the situation gets worse, it threatens to break the supply chain and factories will grind to a standstill," the source said.

Traffic congestion in the opposite direction has already worsened.

On November 18, a group of companies including Mars, Pepsi, Danone, Nestle, CocaCola, Metro, and TetraPak appealed to the Russian government to intervene.

Watch |&nbsp;Belarus says EU refused to discuss fate of 2,000 migrants

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"The continuation of the current situation could have a significant impact on supply chains and the availability of goods for the public, including essential goods, especially given the increased cargo volumes and heightened demand in the run-up to the New Year holidays," the group, the Foreign Investment Advisory Council, wrote.

According to the letter, about 10&nbsp;of all Russian imports pass through Belarus and Poland.

The office of Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, to whom the letter was addressed, said it would investigate the situation. The Ministry of Transport declined to comment.

Data from the Belarusian border service shows similar delays on the Belarusian side of the border with the European Union. According to the data, 400 to 700 vehicles wait at the border at any given time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Migrants on the Belarus-Poland border have caused logistic problems for Russian food producers, who are suffering losses and may have to temporarily cease production if the situation worsens.

Migrants on the Belarus-Poland border have caused logistic problems for Russian food producers, who are suffering losses and may have to temporarily cease production if the situation worsens. Belarus has closed several border crossings with Poland for cargo transport as the European Union accuses Minsk of pushing migrants, mostly from the Middle East, to illegally cross their borders. Also read | Pope Francis heads to Cyprus, aiming to highlight plight of migrants There are long queues of trucks at the four functioning Poland-Belarus border crossings out of the total six. According to Belarus' border service, Lithuania's six crossings are open. Food producers use the trucks to transport goods and raw materials to Belarus and Russia. There are typically 400-600 trucks at the crossings into Belarus from Poland at any given time, which causes normal waiting times of 12-24 hours to average 2-4 days. Every day spent waiting costs 500 euros, which has pushed up transportation costs. An alternative crossing route costs between 300 and 400 euros, sources said. Also read | EU imposes fresh sanctions on Belarus Another source on the market said that Russian importers have not yet suffered large losses, as last week's losses had been getting worse, but this week they are slightly better. "If the situation gets worse, it threatens to break the supply chain and factories will grind to a standstill," the source said. Traffic congestion in the opposite direction has already worsened. On November 18, a group of companies including Mars, Pepsi, Danone, Nestle, CocaCola, Metro, and TetraPak appealed to the Russian government to intervene. Watch | Belarus says EU refused to discuss fate of 2,000 migrants "The continuation of the current situation could have a significant impact on supply chains and the availability of goods for the public, including essential goods, especially given the increased cargo volumes and heightened demand in the run-up to the New Year holidays," the group, the Foreign Investment Advisory Council, wrote. According to the letter, about 10 of all Russian imports pass through Belarus and Poland. The office of Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, to whom the letter was addressed, said it would investigate the situation. The Ministry of Transport declined to comment. Data from the Belarusian border service shows similar delays on the Belarusian side of the border with the European Union. According to the data, 400 to 700 vehicles wait at the border at any given time. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus migrant crisis driving up transportation costs, disrupting goods supplies to Russia

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused the Belarusian President of launching the greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War.

He took to Twitter and said ''Lukashenko&nbsp;launched a hybrid war against the EU. This is the greatest attempt to destabilize Europe in 30 years. Poland will not yield to blackmail and will do everything to defend the EU’s borders.''

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Lukashenka launched a hybrid war against the EU.This is greatest attempt to destabilize Europe in 30years. 🇵🇱will not yield to blackmail and will do everything to defend the EU’s borders. PL, LT, LV, EST need support.We must stand together to defend Europe<a href="https://t.co/OMEtY70vlo">https://t.co/OMEtY70vlo</a>
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM/status/1462315209809444870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It comes after Belarus cleared a migrant camp near the border and started to repatriate some people to Iraq.

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Minsk has been accused by the West of orchestrating the migrant crisis at the Polish border and trucking hundreds of refugees to the frontier.

However, Lukashenko has denied the charges and said "We're Slavs. We have hearts. Our troops know the migrants are going to Germany... Maybe someone helped them."&nbsp;

"But I didn't invite them here."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-belarus-became-gateway-to-eu-for-middle-east-migrants-428982">How Belarus became gateway to EU for Middle East migrants</a>

Rights groups have criticised Poland's nationalist government over its treatment of migrants, with accusations of multiple pushbacks and failure to provide medical support as well as adequate food and shelter.

About 10 migrants are believed to have died in woods along the border with frigid winter setting in, according to local authorities, and many more have sustained injuries or suffered without food or water for days.

Poland has imposed a state of emergency close to the border and does not let journalists or NGOs operate in the area.

It says its uniformed services provide adequate care to migrants who make it into Poland when necessary.

(With inputs from agencies)

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused the Belarusian President of launching the greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War. He took to Twitter and said ''Lukashenko launched a hybrid war against the EU.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused the Belarusian President of launching the greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War. He took to Twitter and said ''Lukashenko launched a hybrid war against the EU. This is the greatest attempt to destabilize Europe in 30 years. Poland will not yield to blackmail and will do everything to defend the EU’s borders.'' Lukashenka launched a hybrid war against the EU.This is greatest attempt to destabilize Europe in 30years. 🇵🇱will not yield to blackmail and will do everything to defend the EU’s borders. PL, LT, LV, EST need support.We must stand together to defend Europehttps://t.co/OMEtY70vlo — Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) November 21, 2021 × It comes after Belarus cleared a migrant camp near the border and started to repatriate some people to Iraq. Minsk has been accused by the West of orchestrating the migrant crisis at the Polish border and trucking hundreds of refugees to the frontier. However, Lukashenko has denied the charges and said "We're Slavs. We have hearts. Our troops know the migrants are going to Germany... Maybe someone helped them." "But I didn't invite them here." Also see | How Belarus became gateway to EU for Middle East migrants Rights groups have criticised Poland's nationalist government over its treatment of migrants, with accusations of multiple pushbacks and failure to provide medical support as well as adequate food and shelter. About 10 migrants are believed to have died in woods along the border with frigid winter setting in, according to local authorities, and many more have sustained injuries or suffered without food or water for days. Poland has imposed a state of emergency close to the border and does not let journalists or NGOs operate in the area. It says its uniformed services provide adequate care to migrants who make it into Poland when necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

Polish PM Morawiecki accuses Belarus of launching 'greatest attempt' to destabilise Europe

In a statement on Monday, Poland's interior ministry said the construction of a wall along its border with Belarus will begin in December and that it will be completed in the first half of next year.

"The undertaking which we must carry out is absolutely strategic and priority investment for the security of the nation and its citizens," Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backs-lukashenko-as-migrant-crisis-escalates-at-belarus-poland-border-429584">Russia backs Lukashenko as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border</a>

According to the ministry, the contracts will be signed by December 15, and construction of the border wall itself will begin later that month, with builders working 24 hours a day in three shifts.

It is estimated that the wall will cost 353 million euros ($407 million) and that it will extend 180 kilometres (112 miles), around half the length of the Poland-Belarus border.

The wall was approved by Parliament last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/using-desperate-migrants-as-pawns-lukashenko-faces-sanctions-threat-pitches-for-russian-missiles-429281">'Using desperate migrants as pawns': Lukashenko faces sanctions threat, pitches for Russian missiles</a>

Since the summer, thousands of migrants, mainly from the Middle East have crossed or attempted to cross the Poland-Belarus border.

In response to the migrant influx, thousands of soldiers have been deployed to the border and a state of emergency has been declared, as well as a razor-wire fence hastily constructed by Poland.

Watch |&nbsp;Poland: Over 33,000 illegal attempts to cross the border

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Many non-governmental organisations (NGO's) have warned of increasingly dangerous conditions. Poland's hardline stance on the crisis has attracted sharp criticism, with guards at the border pushing migrants and refugees away.&nbsp;

In a statement on Monday, Poland's interior ministry said the construction of a wall along its border with Belarus will begin in December and that it will be completed in the first half of next year.

In a statement on Monday, Poland's interior ministry said the construction of a wall along its border with Belarus will begin in December and that it will be completed in the first half of next year. "The undertaking which we must carry out is absolutely strategic and priority investment for the security of the nation and its citizens," Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said. Also read | Russia backs Lukashenko as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border According to the ministry, the contracts will be signed by December 15, and construction of the border wall itself will begin later that month, with builders working 24 hours a day in three shifts. It is estimated that the wall will cost 353 million euros ($407 million) and that it will extend 180 kilometres (112 miles), around half the length of the Poland-Belarus border. The wall was approved by Parliament last month. Also read | 'Using desperate migrants as pawns': Lukashenko faces sanctions threat, pitches for Russian missiles Since the summer, thousands of migrants, mainly from the Middle East have crossed or attempted to cross the Poland-Belarus border. In response to the migrant influx, thousands of soldiers have been deployed to the border and a state of emergency has been declared, as well as a razor-wire fence hastily constructed by Poland. Watch | Poland: Over 33,000 illegal attempts to cross the border Many non-governmental organisations (NGO's) have warned of increasingly dangerous conditions. Poland's hardline stance on the crisis has attracted sharp criticism, with guards at the border pushing migrants and refugees away.

Poland to build a wall, as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border

The situation at the Poland-Belarus border continues to escalate. Major world powers have shifted the blame and sought to shake responsibility as thousand of migrants from West Asia are manhandled by troops stationed at either side.

Vladimir Putin says Russia 'has nothing to do with it'

As pressure grows on Lukashenko to resolve the migrant crisis at the Polish border, the Belarus strongman has increasingly relied on his principal ally Russia to provide support.

In an interview, Lukashenko said he shares a lot of similarities with Russian President Putin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/using-desperate-migrants-as-pawns-lukashenko-faces-sanctions-threat-pitches-for-russian-missiles-429281">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lukashenko faces sanctions threat, pitches for Russian missiles</a>

"What is the similarity between us? When we sit at the table, I say 'listen, sometimes I wonder why we interpret reality the same way?' he told the reporter, adding, "philosophically speaking, you are streetwise and I am street tough," he told the interviewer while explaining his chat with Putin.

Watch:&nbsp;Migrants crisis unfolds at Belarus-Poland migrants

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In an apparent slip, Lukashenko said, "We came from the lowlife" as he was interrupted by his aid who corrected him to mean "grassroots".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-nothing-to-do-with-it-says-putin-on-belarus-poland-migrant-crisis-429022">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;We have nothing to do with it, says Putin on Belarus-Poland migrant crisis</a>

Lukashenko said his childhood wasn't easy as he&nbsp;virtually grew up on the street while asserting that he shares the "same values" as the Russian president. "We grew up with those values. That is why we interpret reality the same way" the Belarus president said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-crisis-in-belarus-tests-putins-uneasy-alliance-with-lukashenko-429134">Also Read:&nbsp;Migrant crisis in Belarus tests Putin’s uneasy alliance with Lukashenko</a>

Putin and Lukashenko have cemented their relations in the past year amid sanctions imposed by the EU on Belarus. Troops from both sides conducted military drills with paratroopers as migrants continued to pour into the Poland-Belarus border.

Putin had in fact sought to resolve the crisis saying that, "we are ready to help it by all means" even as he blamed the EU for the crisis at the Polish border.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As pressure grows on Lukashenko to resolve the migrant crisis at the Polish border, the Belarus strongman has increasingly relied on his principal ally Russia to provide support.

As pressure grows on Lukashenko to resolve the migrant crisis at the Polish border, the Belarus strongman has increasingly relied on his principal ally Russia to provide support. In an interview, Lukashenko said he shares a lot of similarities with Russian President Putin. Also Read: Lukashenko faces sanctions threat, pitches for Russian missiles "What is the similarity between us? When we sit at the table, I say 'listen, sometimes I wonder why we interpret reality the same way?' he told the reporter, adding, "philosophically speaking, you are streetwise and I am street tough," he told the interviewer while explaining his chat with Putin. Watch: Migrants crisis unfolds at Belarus-Poland migrants In an apparent slip, Lukashenko said, "We came from the lowlife" as he was interrupted by his aid who corrected him to mean "grassroots". Also Read: We have nothing to do with it, says Putin on Belarus-Poland migrant crisis Lukashenko said his childhood wasn't easy as he virtually grew up on the street while asserting that he shares the "same values" as the Russian president. "We grew up with those values. That is why we interpret reality the same way" the Belarus president said. Also Read: Migrant crisis in Belarus tests Putin’s uneasy alliance with Lukashenko Putin and Lukashenko have cemented their relations in the past year amid sanctions imposed by the EU on Belarus. Troops from both sides conducted military drills with paratroopers as migrants continued to pour into the Poland-Belarus border. Putin had in fact sought to resolve the crisis saying that, "we are ready to help it by all means" even as he blamed the EU for the crisis at the Polish border. (With inputs from Agencies)

You are streetwise and I am street tough, Lukashenko to Putin

Migrants continued to pour into the Polish border as police said some broke through the defences on Belarus said and entered the country.

The situation at the Polish-Belarus border has been tense as migrants mainly from the Middle East have sought a passage into Europe amid tensions between the two countries. Reports claim Belarus has sent more troops at the border.

British foreign secretary Liz Truss asserted that the responsibility to end the crisis at the border was Russia's "responsibility".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-nothing-to-do-with-it-says-putin-on-belarus-poland-migrant-crisis-429022">Also Read:&nbsp;We have nothing to do with it, says Putin on Belarus-Poland migrant crisis</a>

The UK foreign secretary said Russia must "press the &nbsp;Belarusian authorities" to end the crisis at the border. Kremlin had earlier blamed EU officials for the situation at the border.

Watch:&nbsp;Belarus threatens to cut off gas to EU

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Belarusian officials have said at least 2,000 people including women and children have been stranded at the border, although Polish authorities have put the figure much higher.

The British foreign secretary accused President Lukashenko of "using desperate migrants as pawns" to create instability in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-crisis-in-belarus-tests-putins-uneasy-alliance-with-lukashenko-429134">Also Read:&nbsp;Migrant crisis in Belarus tests Putin’s uneasy alliance with Lukashenko</a>

Relations between the West and Belarus has hit a new low due to the crisis.&nbsp;EU had imposed a string of sanctions on Lukashenko's regime last year over alleged human rights abuses and internal unrest over controversial domestic elections.

EU's top official Josep Borrell said the block will extend its sanctions on the country amid the migrant crisis.

As tension mounted at the border, Lukashenko said he wants "500-kilometres missile systems" - the Iskander to deploy in the south and west.

Lukashenko asserted that he needs "several divisions". Belarus and Polish troops had recently conducted a paratrooper drill close to the Polish border.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Migrants continued to pour into the Polish border as police said some broke through the defences on Belarus said and entered the country. The situation at the Polish-Belarus border has been tense as migrants mainly from the Middle East have sought a passage into Europe amid tensions between the two countries.

Migrants continued to pour into the Polish border as police said some broke through the defences on Belarus said and entered the country. The situation at the Polish-Belarus border has been tense as migrants mainly from the Middle East have sought a passage into Europe amid tensions between the two countries. Reports claim Belarus has sent more troops at the border. British foreign secretary Liz Truss asserted that the responsibility to end the crisis at the border was Russia's "responsibility". Also Read: We have nothing to do with it, says Putin on Belarus-Poland migrant crisis The UK foreign secretary said Russia must "press the Belarusian authorities" to end the crisis at the border. Kremlin had earlier blamed EU officials for the situation at the border. Watch: Belarus threatens to cut off gas to EU Belarusian officials have said at least 2,000 people including women and children have been stranded at the border, although Polish authorities have put the figure much higher. The British foreign secretary accused President Lukashenko of "using desperate migrants as pawns" to create instability in the region. Also Read: Migrant crisis in Belarus tests Putin’s uneasy alliance with Lukashenko Relations between the West and Belarus has hit a new low due to the crisis. EU had imposed a string of sanctions on Lukashenko's regime last year over alleged human rights abuses and internal unrest over controversial domestic elections. EU's top official Josep Borrell said the block will extend its sanctions on the country amid the migrant crisis. As tension mounted at the border, Lukashenko said he wants "500-kilometres missile systems" - the Iskander to deploy in the south and west. Lukashenko asserted that he needs "several divisions". Belarus and Polish troops had recently conducted a paratrooper drill close to the Polish border. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Using desperate migrants as pawns': Lukashenko faces sanctions threat, pitches for Russian missiles