Ukraine and Moldova are discussing a new grain export route through Romania.

Ukraine and Moldova are considering transporting Ukrainian grain by rail through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanta. The need to find an alternative route arose due to the intensification of Russian attacks on shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea.

Reuters reports this, citing sources in Ukraine and Moldova.

According to the agency, Kyiv is proposing to introduce a discount on rail transportation for Ukrainian cargo in the amount of 50% of the nominal tariff.

At the same time, Moldovan Railways offered Ukraine to provide guarantees for transportation volumes in order to assess the economic feasibility of such a route.

“We are currently collecting information on potential volumes from interested shippers. The information gathering process is not yet complete,” a senior Ukrainian industry official told Reuters.

According to Ukrainian estimates, the route through Moldova could potentially transport approximately 10% of all Ukrainian grain exports.

Earlier, Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi announced a reduction in the grain export forecast for the 2026-2027 season. The expected volume was reduced from 43 million to 38-40 million tons due to Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports.

Yesterday, Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea visited the Odesa region. During a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Nikolai Kalashnik, the two sides discussed improving rail service and expanding the transit network.

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that the country is interested in developing the transit of Ukrainian grain, as this could generate millions in revenue.

He also dismissed concerns from Moldovan farmer organizations that Ukrainian grain could lead to lower prices for local producers.

“We don’t look for enemies where there aren’t any,” Tofan said on Moldovan television.

As a reminder, Russia is targeting Ukrainian grain export routes via land routes – ISW