Russian, Belarusian trucks blocked at Poland-Belarus border after EU sanctions

A large line of trucks has been created on the Poland-Belarus border, while Russian drivers and Belarus try to leave the EU after a deadline of sanctions.

According to foreign media, Telegrafi watches, on the eve of Saturday's deadline, the line expanded to 80km, with some stuck up to 33 hours.

The EU has banned trucks from Russia and Belarus except those who carry medicine, mail or oil products from entering or staying in the bloc.

The move is part of sanctions due to Ukraine's Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, some images showed long lines that remained as the midnight deadline approached.

There are still many miles to reach the border... so it is unrealistic”, a Belarusian driver was quoted as saying about his chances of crossing the border on time.

And a few hours after the deadline passed, the waiting time was cut to 12 hours, says BBC Adam Easton in Warsaw, with the number of trucks at two border points between 230-400.

However, it is unclear what will happen to thousands of other trucks from the two countries estimated to be currently on EU territory.

One possibility is that they will be seized by national authorities.

A Polish official representing transport groups expressed concern that such an action could lead to similar measures against Polish trucks using Russia and Belarus on their return home.

The EU and many other Western countries have imposed punitive sanctions against Russia and its main ally Belarus.