Moldova has a clear position of support for Ukraine in the war against the russian federation, although its political and economic situation is difficult. Key areas of assistance to Ukraine include humanitarian aid, political support and participation in international initiatives. Since the beginning of russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has repeatedly condemned the russian invasion at the highest level, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and constantly reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. The country also joins international sanctions against russia, as far as its neutrality status and economic restrictions allow.

The Republic of Moldova participates in European initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine, in particular in simplifying procedures for the transit of humanitarian goods and coordinating assistance. Moldova’s activities in the context of assistance to Ukraine are an important contribution to Europe’s joint efforts to counter russian aggression and support the affected population. Moldova also joins the international register of losses due to the russian aggression against Ukraine.

Despite the difficult economic situation in Moldova, since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion, the country has provided Ukraine with $6.7 million in humanitarian aid and sheltered almost 100,000 of our citizens, women and children.

In 2024, the Government of Moldova sent 5 trucks with humanitarian goods worth 4.9 million lei ($250 thousand) to Ukraine. The country sent medical supplies (blood transfusion systems and disinfectants), food, and power generators.

Foreign trade between Moldova and Ukraine continued to develop in 2023 despite the challenges caused by the war. Exports from Ukraine to Moldova focused on agricultural products, energy, and industrial goods. Ukraine exported cereals, oilseeds, and oil. In the context of the energy crisis caused by the war, Ukraine increased electricity supplies to Moldova, which helped stabilize the Moldovan energy system, which was dependent on supplies from abroad. Moldovan entrepreneurs also bought machinery, industrial equipment, and construction materials, which became important for the Moldovan economy.

In June 2023, amendments to the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Moldova entered into force. To simplify the procedures for determining the origin of goods, the EU-standard EUR.1 certificate was introduced. This contributes to the harmonization of trade rules and simplifies customs procedures.

Moldova remains an important trading partner for Dnipropetrovsk region as well. The level of partnership relations is evidenced by the bilateral analysis of external activities.

Moldovan enterprises are most interested in ferrous metals and products made of them, plastics and polymeric materials, meat and edible offal, finished grain products, etc. The volume of exports from Dnipropetrovsk region amounted to $100.8 million and increased by 1.1% compared to 2022.

273 enterprises in Dnipropetrovsk region exported their products to the Moldovan market, including metallurgical, food and processing companies.

The top 5 exporters in terms of exported products are the following:

In turn, more than 50 importing companies in the region bought Moldovan goods, including alcoholic beverages, sulfur, salt, ferrous metals, oil and oil products, vegetable processing products, and others. Imports of goods from Moldova to Dnipropetrovsk region decreased by 14.7% and amounted to $20.3 million.

The top 5 exporters in terms of imported products are the following: 

Import operations were mainly carried out by metallurgical, processing, and trade enterprises.

Source: information for the article was taken from open online sources