Ukraine asks Moldova to extend transit discount in 2027
28.10.2026 - 13:15
The current preferential conditions are valid until the end of 2026, that is, they expire in less than two months.
Ukraine has asked Moldova to extend a 50% discount on transit railway transportation of Ukrainian cargo for 2027. This was announced by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky at a joint briefing with his Moldovan counterpart Vasile Tofan in Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
According to Koretsky, over the past eight months, the volume of transportation through Moldova has increased significantly, and grain transit has tripled.
“We have requested to extend such conditions for 2027, in order to have a predictable movement of export flows for both Ukraine and Moldova. It seems to me that this is mutually beneficial, additional revenues for Moldova and additional diversification for Ukraine,” the Prime Minister noted.
The need for alternative routes has increased due to the intensification of Russian attacks on seaports, which are destroying export flows.
To increase transit volumes, Ukraine offers to use its own locomotives and locomotive crews on the Ocnytsia-Bereshti section. Kyiv is also ready to share the experience of Ukrainian railways gained during a full-scale invasion, in particular regarding the speed of recovery and response.
The countries plan to expand joint border control to two more checkpoints. The main work on the temporary Yampil-Koseuts bridge should be completed by the end of the year.
The discount was agreed on August 12, and it began to operate on August 10. The agreement primarily concerned the transportation of Ukrainian grain through Moldovan territory to Romanian ports in order to reduce the risks of attacks on Black Sea infrastructure.
At the same time, the route is not yet operating at full capacity. In September, Ukrzaliznytsia redirected grain from the Kuchurhan-Novosavitska crossing to other junctions, since the Moldovan side did not agree to the transfer of wagons. From November 1, Moldovan railways will also adjust freight rates.
As USM reported, the day before, Moldova offered Ukrainian businesses rail transit to Romania.
Meanwhile, Moldovan farmers are preparing actions against the lifting of restrictions on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products.
