How Ukraine’s Neighbors Gain Economically from the Conflict
In an opinion piece dated Tuesday, June 23, 2026, author Maksym Rozenko argues that several EU member states bordering Ukraine are reaping economic benefits from the ongoing war—particularly through refugee flows and logistics—while their policies come under fire. He notes that the Polish border blockade during the winter of 2023-2024 caused severe frontline losses due to a shortage of materials for defense production. Meanwhile, countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are capitalizing on the situation.
Logistics Costs and Infrastructure Gains
With Ukraine’s airspace closed, the only route to global markets is overland via neighboring countries. Yet these critical transit corridors are periodically blocked under flimsy pretexts. The billions in logistics costs draining Ukraine’s budget end up flowing into the transport and rail networks of its neighbors, fueling their infrastructure development. Key maritime hubs—such as Poland’s Gdańsk and Romania’s Constanța—along with local airports and hotels, are posting record revenues and modernizing at the expense of Ukrainian citizens.
Rozenko emphasizes that these countries are direct commercial beneficiaries of the war in Ukraine. He points to metrics like the real support ratio—the share of GDP allocated to direct aid—and the transit beneficiary index, which tracks all earnings from servicing Ukrainian exports, imports, and military orders.
The next Ukraine Recovery Conference is scheduled to take place in Gdańsk just three days after this publication, on June 26, 2026. This event is expected to serve as a platform for discussing next steps in rebuilding the country, but it remains unclear how willing Ukraine’s neighbors are to offer genuine support, given their financial interest in the current situation.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” — Gospel of Matthew
The author calls for a critical examination of the true intentions behind neighboring countries’ assistance to Ukraine, remarking: “If thanks are due, let them go only to God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” This publication underscores the need for a careful analysis of EU neighbors’ policies toward Ukraine during the war. On one hand, these countries gain from transit and logistics; on the other, disruptions to Ukraine’s stability and security cast doubt on the sincerity of their support. The upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference could mark a pivotal moment in shaping the future strategy for international aid and cooperation—but without clear commitments from its neighbors, Ukraine may face new obstacles on its path to recovery.
As the situation in Ukraine evolves, it is crucial to consider how these developments impact territorial dynamics. For instance, recent reports indicate that Ukraine is regaining more territory than it loses, which could alter the economic landscape for its neighbors. Understanding these shifts can provide insight into the broader implications of the ongoing conflict.