Ukraine Seeks to Shift Grain Truck Inspections to Polish and Slovak Borders to Counter Drone Attacks Ukraine is in talks with Poland and Slovakia to move the customs checks for export trucks inside these countries, aiming to protect vehicles amid increased Russian drone attacks near the Ukrainian borders. The shift builds on the Solidarity Lanes initiative designed to keep grain flows intact since the war disrupted Black Sea routes. Kiev is negotiating with neighbouring EU countries to shift the customs checks for trucks carrying grain from the Ukrainian border to points further inside Poland and Slovakia. The move is intended to shield export vehicles from the rising threat of Russian drone strikes that have been increasingly used against convoys near Ukraine's frontiers. The Foreign Ministry said the capital has already established joint border control points with Moldova and seeks to extend the arrangement to other partners.Solidarity Lanes Program Expansion PlansThe initiative follows the launch of the "Solidarity Lanes" programme in 2022, which created alternative routes that combine road, rail and inland waterways to keep grain, oilseeds and other key agricultural products moving out of the country after the war disrupted traditional Black Sea ports. Around ninety percent of Ukraine's grain exports now travel through these lanes, with the plan to complete the transition by August 2026.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary to allow Ukrainian cargoes to traverse their territories, noting that many Black Sea ports have been rendered unsafe by Russian attacks. By conducting inspections deeper inside EU member states, Ukraine hopes to reduce the number of high‑profile drone incidents that have targeted lorries in transit.Poland's officials have responded positively, highlighting that the country is keen to support its ally and uphold the secure flow of food supplies into Europe. Slovakia's government is also reviewing proposals to formalise the process. The state of play shows a shift in regional security and trade dynamics.Russian Drone Campaign Targeting GrainWhile Ukraine continues to produce some of the world's largest crop volumes, the ongoing conflict forces it to adapt its logistical chains and develop new strategies that balance sovereignty, safety and international trade obligations. The Russian government has acknowledged that its drone campaign is aimed at disrupting Ukrainian supply lines and preventing grain from reaching the global market.Ukrainian authorities maintain that they are neutralizing this threat through diplomatic engagement with European partners, ensuring both efficient border control and compliance with international trade rules. The insistence on relocating inspections illustrates a broader trend of cooperation among EU states to safeguard essential goods amid a changing security environment. It also signals Ukraine's commitment to sustaining global food security through resilient infrastructure and innovative policy measures.The success of this strategy will be measured by the reduction of attacks on export lorry convoys, the smooth operation of the Solidarity Lanes, and the maintenance of Ukraine's share in global wheat, corn and sunflower markets. The arrangement is expected to come into effect early next year, with a provisional framework already agreeing on shared security protocols and customs procedures designed to speed transit while maintaining stringent checks for security threats.