ANALYSIS // Moldovan Prime Minister in Kyiv, consolidation of Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan’s visit to Kyiv on October 26 shows how closely the security of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine’s resistance to illegal Russian aggression, and the European future of both states are interconnected. Defense, the Transnistrian region, gas and electricity interconnections form a single strategic agenda. Chisinau needs a neighbor that is resisting Russian aggression, while Kyiv needs a stable Moldova, with functioning infrastructure and institutions capable of preventing the destabilization of the region. Romanian political analyst Mihai Isac explained to MOLDPRES the significance of the technical-military cooperation agreement signed on Monday in Kyiv, the discussions with President Zelenskyy about the Transnistrian region, as well as the importance of energy cooperation.



Technical-Military Cooperation Agreement and Republic of Moldova’s Stake

The signing of the technical-military cooperation agreement is the clearest political result of the visit, serving as an instrument to strengthen joint efforts against Russian threats. For the Republic of Moldova, the stake is access to the experience of a state that is constantly adapting its defense to a real war. This experience can help with personnel training, infrastructure protection, and the identification of technological solutions suited to Chisinau’s limited resources. It should be noted that this agreement has not violated either the national legislation of the Republic of Moldova or international law.



The value of the agreement will depend on the programs implemented in the coming period. The authorities must specify what cooperation can be financed, who will implement it, and within what timeframe. In the same context, the business community and academia should be involved. The publicly announced expansion of cooperation in demining already offers an example of practical usefulness. A serious defense policy is built through verifiable capabilities, training, and equipment maintenance. The results must be able to meet the expectations of all parties involved.

Discussions on Transnistrian Region: Reducing Russia’s Influence Serves Both Countries’ Interests

The discussions held with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the situation in the Transnistrian region confirm the regional and continental dimension of this issue. The Ukrainian president reaffirmed his support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The political significance is important, even though this is a customary statement by the authorities in Kyiv. Chisinau has in Ukraine a partner directly interested in seeing the Transnistrian region cease to represent a security vulnerability. For both capitals, reducing Russia’s military and political influence in this area serves their own interests.





This convergence of positions must be transformed into coordination aimed at securing the border, combating illegal trafficking, and supporting peaceful reintegration. Tofan’s previously stated position at the United Nations calls for the unconditional withdrawal of illegally stationed Russian troops. Cooperation with Ukraine will strengthen this position and the ability of Moldovan institutions to manage risks. At the same time, reintegration requires solutions for the people in the region under Russian military occupation, including services, legal economic activity, and access to the benefits of closer ties with the European Union.

Energy case and advantage for the Republic of Moldova

Energy is another important item on the common agenda. The more routes and sources Chisinau has at its disposal, the stronger its position in managing crises. Sustainable reintegration also requires reducing differences in regulations between the two banks of the Dniester. This change must be supported through services and opportunities for the population so that closer ties with Chisinau bring visible benefits.



In the gas sector, expectations must be measured against concrete commercial conditions on the market and the security developments in the region and beyond. Before the visit, Tofan had announced his intention to discuss possible purchases from Ukraine and contracts lasting between three and five years. The prime minister specified that any deliveries would be negotiated at market prices. The advantage for the Republic of Moldova must be calculated according to the total cost, including transportation, delivery security, and contract flexibility. Political interest in cooperation must be supported by competitive offers and available volumes.



Kyiv emphasized gas transit through the Trans-Balkan corridor and the use of Ukrainian storage facilities by Moldovan companies. For Chisinau, the development of routes and storage options means more supply choices. At the same time, for Kyiv, Moldovan infrastructure will facilitate access to alternative sources. The energy relationship thus becomes one of mutual support, alongside the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to integrate into the European energy market.



The two sides discussed electricity cooperation at length. Prime Minister Tofan emphasized the need to accelerate preparations for a second Balti–Dnestrovsk line and to prepare a memorandum between Moldelectrica and Ukrenergo. According to the authorities, the process is at an advanced stage, namely the preparation of the project and cooperation between the operators. The stake of an additional connection is to increase exchange possibilities and reduce the vulnerability associated with having only a few routes. Together with the interconnections toward Romania and the EU, such an investment could strengthen Moldova’s role in the regional energy network.

Electricity projects must also be assessed in light of the risks posed by direct military actions and hybrid warfare. Moscow is systematically attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with direct effects on its neighbors, while expanding connections requires protection, maintenance, and emergency procedures. Genuine diversification means having several functioning routes and the ability to switch the source of supply. For the population, success will be measured by continuity of supply and affordable costs. New infrastructure must provide this security and safety for the public and the business community.



Republic of Moldova Can Strengthen Its Role in Ukraine’s Reconstruction

The partnership also has a broader economic significance. Ukraine is seeking secure routes for goods and energy, while the Republic of Moldova can generate revenue from transit, investment, and logistics activity.

These developments can support the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to play an important role in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

These opportunities must be assessed according to the actual capacity of the infrastructure. A deteriorated railway or a neglected electricity network limits the potential for profit. Therefore, cooperation with Kyiv requires coordinated investments with Romania and European institutions.

The visit also has a European dimension. The two governments reaffirmed their rapprochement with the EU and agreed to relaunch economic cooperation, including in a trilateral format with Romania. This framework can connect defense, transport, and energy with European investments and standards. For Chisinau, the partnership with Kyiv must produce more capable institutions and safer connections. The credibility of both sides will depend on their ability to turn agreements into financed projects, advantageous contracts, and concrete protection for citizens in both countries.



Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Vasile Tofan paid a working visit to Kyiv on October 26, 2026, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatii, and Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu. In Kyiv, the prime minister met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Ukrainian counterpart, Serhii Koretskyi, to discuss regional security, European integration, economic and trade cooperation, as well as the development of joint infrastructure and energy projects.

Tofan also attended the Kyiv International Economic Forum and held discussions with representatives of the business community.

During the visit to Kyiv, an agreement on technical-military cooperation was signed. Tofan and Koretskyi laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the defenders who fell for Ukraine and paid tribute to the Ukrainian heroes who lost their lives in the war.