Turkish Truck Drivers Endure Difficult Conditions at the Russian Border

The war that started with Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Truck drivers who have been waiting at the Russian border for 28 days are having a hard time. It was recorded that a 40-year-old driver, among them, died of a heart attack during these difficult times.

With the Russia-Ukraine war, it caused great problems in shipments to Russia and Central Asia. With the closure of the Ukraine line, Truck drivers crossing the road from a different point encountered traffic that lasted for kilometers. With the heavy snowfall that was effective in the region, the traffic stopped almost completely when the roads were closed. The drivers, struggling to survive under difficult conditions, called for urgent support from the authorities.

One of the truck drivers, 40-year-old Muzaffer Aydoğdu, could not stand the harsh conditions any longer and had a heart attack. It was stated that the drivers had difficulties meeting their basic needs and that their meals were about to run out.

Driver Zeki Dinç, who is trying to come to Turkey from Kyrgyzstan, stated that they had been waiting at the border for 28 days and were in a very difficult situation. We have run out of food, fuel, and batteries. We are unable to meet our most basic needs, such as using the bathroom and toilet. We cannot make our voices heard by anyone. A colleague of ours had a heart attack because he could not stand the stress he was experiencing. Again, there are people with diabetes or kidney disease among the drivers waiting at the border. In particular, there are drivers with chronic diseases. The life risk of these friends is increasing day by day. The vehicle with 16 Turkish plates was removed from the tail of the vehicle at gunpoint and sent to the forest area. Some of our colleagues were beaten. Those who want to take pictures are also prevented, and threats of imprisonment are made."

Another driver said, "The authorities are aware of our situation, but no action has been taken. Vehicles can be temporarily parked, and the government can ensure that we are evacuated from the region by sending a plane. We have been fighting for our lives under very difficult conditions for days." The drivers also reproached the companies they work with and said, "We cannot see material and moral support."

Drivers listed their expectations from the authorities with these words:

In order to reach Russia via Azerbaijan, the toll fee of 500 dollars per trip taken by only Turkish transporters in this country should be abolished.

With the support of the government, a direct Ro-Ro line should be opened between Turkey and Russia.

Let Turkmenistan's border gate, which has been banned due to the pandemic, be reopened for transit transportation.

Technical assistance and cooperation should be offered by the Turkish authorities to Georgia, whose roads were closed due to snowfall.