Moldova gives Ukraine 50% discount on rail freight transit

Moldova is providing a 50% discount on rail transit for Ukrainian cargo, with the new arrangement in effect from 10 August until the end of the year.

"Following a recent conversation with Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, we reached an agreement on a 50% discount on rail transit for Ukrainian cargo. The new arrangement has been in effect since 10 August and will remain in place until the end of 2026," Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi wrote on Telegram.

Koretskyi said this was another practical measure to support Ukrainian exporters amid Russian attacks in the Black Sea.

In addition, from 17 August, under an agreement between the two countries, the route of the Kyiv-Chișinău train will change. Koretskyi said this would make transfers to Chișinău Airport more convenient and significantly faster for Ukrainians.

Earlier reports indicated that Ukraine and Moldova were discussing the rail transit of grain to the Romanian port of Constanța. Kyiv had requested a 50% discount on transportation costs.

As reported, Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food appealed to the European Commission to consider allocating €220 million in support to compensate for interest on loans taken out by Ukrainian small and medium-sized agricultural producers, amid the blockade of maritime exports caused by Russian attacks on ports in the Odesa region.

At the end of July, vessels stopped entering Ukrainian ports due to the deteriorating security situation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also warned that Russia would intensify pressure on the maritime corridor.