Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba participated in a meeting with Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Toiu during her first visit to Ukraine since taking office. Representatives of the Ukrainian Government and Romania’s diplomatic team were also present.
“We are systematically advancing logistics, expanding border infrastructure, and strengthening local economies even amidst the war. At this critical time, we receive clear signals of support from our partners. Developing border checkpoints with Romania and Moldova is a priority of the state’s Border Infrastructure Development Strategy until 2030. Importantly, our plans are aligned with these countries. Together, we have a clear understanding of which priority projects to implement, their timelines, and the outcomes we aim to achieve,” Oleksii Kuleba emphasised.
The meeting focused on implementing key projects along the Ukraine-Romania border, including specific checkpoints, logistics routes, and temporary solutions to facilitate border crossings without waiting for the completion of all construction phases.
On August 8, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Serhii Derkach participated in political consultations in the Ukraine – Moldova – Romania format with foreign ministers.
The discussions covered border infrastructure development between the countries. Serhii Derkach presented plans for enhancing the Ukrainian-Romanian and Ukrainian-Moldovan border sections.
“It’s worth emphasising that we are focusing on both modernising existing checkpoints and building new ones. Key projects include the reconstruction of “Reni” with Moldova, the construction of “Bila Tserkva” and the upgrading of “Porubne” with Romania,” stated Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach.
Priorities for border development with Romania include critical infrastructure projects, such as:
– Expanding lanes at the “Porubne – Siret” checkpoint to double the capacity for lorries;
– Constructing a new checkpoint, “Bila Tserkva – Sighetu Marmatiei”. Romania is currently completing a bridge over the Tysa River to connect these checkpoints. Until year-end, “Bila Tserkva” is planned to open with temporary infrastructure while full construction continues;
– Enabling consistent processing of large-capacity buses and empty lorries at the “Dyakivtsi – Rakovets” checkpoint, regardless of size. Consultations with Romania are ongoing;
– Establishing two “local” checkpoints to stimulate local economies and strengthen social ties in Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions.
The parties are working on amendments to the relevant agreement to facilitate the opening of new checkpoints.
Additionally, negotiations are underway for an agreement on joint customs and border control, with a draft already sent to Romanian counterparts by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development.
Priorities for border development with Moldova include:
– The flagship Green Corridor project linking the Reni – Giurgiulesti (Moldova) – Galati (Romania) checkpoints. Last year, the first phase of repairs at Reni was completed, and joint control with Moldova was launched on the Ukrainian side. Until year-end, a service area for freight and passenger transport is planned near the checkpoint, alongside further modernisation efforts;
– Completing “rapid” upgrades at 10 checkpoints, including modular structures, road markings, lighting and resurfacing. (Government portal)