Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visits Kyiv for bilateral talks
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on 26 October for a working visit accompanied by three ministers. The programme included meetings with Ukraine’s prime minister, president and parliamentary speaker, discussions on economic cooperation, regional security and the countries’ European path, and participation in the Kyiv International Economic Forum.
Key points
- Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on 26 October with three Moldovan ministers: Vladimir Bolea, Anatolii Nosatii and Dorin Junghietu.
- Tofan was scheduled to meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.
- The prime ministers planned to discuss bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, regional security and both countries’ European path.
- Tofan and Koretskyi were to participate in the Kyiv International Economic Forum focused on investment opportunities and economic cooperation.
- Moldova was considering purchasing natural gas from Ukraine, with price and potential long-term savings to be discussed during the visit.
- Tofan planned to meet business representatives to discuss economic partnership and expanded trade ties.
- Tofan and Koretskyi laid flowers at the memorial wall honouring fallen Ukrainian defenders.
Why it matters
The visit put Ukraine–Moldova relations at the centre of official discussions, covering economic cooperation, regional security and both countries’ European path. The ministerial delegation brought ministers responsible for infrastructure, defence and energy, while possible Ukrainian gas purchases offered a concrete area for bilateral economic cooperation. The memorial commemoration and Moldova’s preparedness to receive refugees also highlighted the humanitarian and security dimensions of the relationship.
What happened
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on 26 October with Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Vladimir Bolea, Defence Minister Anatolii Nosatii and Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu. Tofan was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. The leaders were expected to address bilateral ties, trade and investment, regional security and the countries’ European path. Tofan and Koretskyi also took part in the Kyiv International Economic Forum, while Tofan planned separate discussions with business representatives. Moldova’s possible purchases of Ukrainian natural gas, a memorial observance for fallen Ukrainian defenders and a joint press appearance were also on the programme.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage focused on the official programme and meetings between Tofan and Ukraine’s prime minister, president and parliamentary speaker. It also highlighted preparations for joint statements, the memorial commemoration, the Kyiv International Economic Forum, prospective Ukrainian gas sales to Moldova and contacts with business. Ukrainian reports additionally foregrounded incidents affecting Moldova’s border and airspace and Moldova’s readiness to receive refugees from Ukraine.
How international sources describe it
English-language coverage framed the trip as a bilateral working visit centred on government meetings, economic and trade cooperation, regional security and the countries’ shared European path. It also drew attention to the delegation’s ministerial composition, possible Ukrainian gas purchases, business discussions and the planned memorial observance.
Background
Tofan and Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met on 14 October to discuss shared energy challenges, preparation for winter and bilateral energy cooperation. Moldova stopped purchasing Russian gas and halted pipeline transport on 1 January 2025. Moldova also reported a crashed and exploded drone near Skaiany in Dondyushansky District on 16 October; debris from three missiles and two drones in four districts and six airspace violations on 3 October; and protective measures at border crossings announced on 7 October.