Ukraine Eyes Rail Route to Romanian Port

Ukraine is considering transporting goods by rail through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanta. The move comes as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian shipping and port infrastructure.

Ukraine has asked Chisinau for a 50% discount on standard freight rates. Moldovan Railways, meanwhile, is seeking guarantees on cargo volumes. The two sides are negotiating the volume and duration of the transit arrangement.

According to Oleg Tofilat, former head of Moldovan Railways, the corridor could transport 4.5 million metric tons per year. Ukrainian estimates suggest that a fully operational route could handle 10% of the country’s exports.

Moldova already transported Ukrainian grain by rail in 2022 and 2023.

The need for an alternative route is primarily linked to Russian attacks on port infrastructure in the Odesa region. Ukraine has lowered its grain export forecast for the 2026–2027 season from 43 million metric tons to between 38 million and 40 million metric tons.

More than 90% of Ukraine’s grain exports are shipped through seaports.

(Reuters, bak)