Ukraine explores rail corridor through Moldova to ship grain to Constanța
Ukraine is negotiating a rail route through Moldova to move grain to the Romanian port of Constanța, seeking a 50% freight discount.
Amid rising Russian strikes on Ukrainian seaports, the government is looking at a rail link through Moldova as a safer export channel for its grain. Kyiv has requested a freight rate cut of half the standard price to move cargo to the Romanian port of Constanța, while Moldovan Railways seeks volume guarantees from Ukraine. The proposed corridor could transport up to 4.5 million metric tons annually, representing roughly 10% of Ukraine's grain exports.
Recent forecasts for the 2026-27 season were trimmed to 38-40 million tonnes after port disruptions, with analysts at APK-Inform cutting their outlook to 39.4 million tonnes. Moldovan officials, including the infrastructure minister and prime minister, emphasize the potential transit revenue and reject concerns that Ukrainian grain would undercut local producers.
Why it matters
The rail route could preserve a key portion of Ukraine's grain exports despite ongoing attacks on its ports.
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