After more than two years of interruption due to the war in Ukraine, the direct railway connection between Kyiv and Bucharest is set to resume, with the Republic of Moldova playing a central role in reestablishing the route. The announcement was made by Ionel Scriosteanu, Secretary of State in Romania’s Ministry of Transport, according to bani.md.
The new train service will operate through Chisinau, where four Ukrainian passenger carriages will be attached to the existing Friendship Train that connects Bucharest and Chisinau. This solution is a collaboration between CFR Calatori and Moldovan Railways (CFM).
“This is the simplest and most advanced technical solution available at this time. We are ready to begin the first tests in a few days,” Scriosteanu said during a Romania–Ukraine bilateral meeting in Darabani, Botosani County.
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Trial Run on August 7–8
The first trial journey on the new route — Kiev → Chisinau → Bucharest and back — will take place this week:
- The test train will depart from Kyiv on the night of August 7
- and return from Bucharest on the night of August 8, passing through Chisinau.
- Initial testing will use two empty passenger carriages.
This railway connection marks a significant milestone in regional mobility and strategic cooperation at a time when Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova seek safer and more efficient transport alternatives, given the damaged infrastructure in eastern Ukraine.
Beyond its passenger service, the route will hold significant logistical and geopolitical potential, supporting broader regional integration and resilience.