Ukraine is asking Moldova to extend the 50% discount on transit rail freight for Ukrainian cargo through 2027, Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi said.
“Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports are intensifying. They are indeed harming our export flows and require reliable alternative routes. I thank the Moldovan government for providing Ukraine with a 50% discount on rail transit through Moldovan territory,” Koretsky said at a joint briefing with Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan on Monday in Kyiv, as reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.
According to him, over the past eight months, the volume of cargo transported through Moldova has increased significantly, and the volume of transit traffic has tripled.
“We have requested that these conditions be extended into 2027 in order to ensure predictable export flows for both Ukraine and Moldova. I believe this is mutually beneficial—it provides additional revenue for Moldova and further diversification for Ukraine,” stated the head of the Ukrainian government.
Koretsky also noted that, to increase transit volumes, it is proposed to use Ukrainian locomotives and crews on the Ocnita-Beresti section.
“We are also ready to share all the experience of the Ukrainian railway gained during the full-scale invasion—the speed of recovery, response times, repairs, and so on,” he added.
In addition, the countries intend to strengthen security at border crossing points.
“I welcome Moldova’s readiness to launch joint control at two more border crossing points: the temporary Yampil-Coseuți bridge is beneficial to both countries. The main work is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” the prime minister announced.
For his part, the Moldovan prime minister noted that the countries are actively working on developing road and rail corridors—the “European Solidarity Routes”—modernizing border crossing points, and expanding joint border control. “This opens up new opportunities for trade, investment, and the reconstruction of Ukraine,” he emphasized.
The parties are also discussing the situation on the Dniester River, specifically better coordination of water release, taking into account inflow volumes and the water needs of downstream communities.
As previously reported, in August, Ukraine reached an agreement with Moldova on a 50% discount on the transit of Ukrainian cargo by rail through Moldova until the end of 2026.
