Ukrainian Blogger Banned from Poland for Five Years After Driving Into Protected Lake

Blogger Andriy Havryliv's Controversial Act

According to Главком: Andriy Havryliv, a blogger from Lviv, caught the attention of Polish authorities after driving his car into Morskie Oko, a protected glacial lake located in Poland's Tatra Mountains. For this violation, he received a fine of 100 zlotys and 8 penalty points. Polish law enforcement has now imposed a five-year ban on his entry into Poland. Additionally, restrictions are being considered that would limit his ability to cross borders into any Schengen Area country.

Havryliv admitted his mistake and voluntarily returned to Ukraine. He paid the fine and commented on the situation, stating:

“This is my fault. I am human and can make mistakes. However, I did not steal anything, damage anything, or harm anyone.”

The blogger also explained that he did not notice any signs prohibiting entry into the reserve:

“When I left Krakow, I set my navigation to Morskie Oko and followed the route. It later turned out there was supposed to be a barrier at the reserve entrance, but I didn't see it because it was raised.”

Response from Polish Officials and the Public

Poland's Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed that Havryliv would be placed on the list of undesirable individuals, as his actions disrupted public order. “The person responsible for the raid on Morskie Oko will face consequences. Violations of the law will always be met with a firm response,” the minister stated.

Havryliv believes he is the first person in history to drive a car into the park. He explained that all his acquaintances had told him it was impossible to reach Morskie Oko by car, and he initially thought the area was inaccessible to vehicles. However, upon seeing the road, he decided to use it:

“We are the first people in history to drive a car to Morskie Oko.”

The incident sparked public outrage, as violating entry rules in protected areas is a serious matter. The blogger apologized to Poles for his carelessness, emphasizing that he was unaware of the prohibition. “I want to apologize to the Polish people because I simply didn't know that you couldn't drive there,” Havryliv said, adding that if he could turn back time, he would have walked instead.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations governing entry into natural reserves and highlights the need for greater awareness among tourists about restrictions in such zones. Adding the blogger to the list of undesirable individuals may serve as a warning to others that legal violations in this area carry severe consequences.