Moldovan PM Tofan Arrives in Kyiv to Finalize Gas Purchases

Moldova faces a critical winter energy supply gap, and Prime Minister Vasile Tofan arrived in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, to close that gap. He is leading a four-person delegation focused on securing natural gas and advancing trade agreements.

Tofan brought three cabinet members to the Ukrainian capital. Vladimir Bolea, the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, traveled with the Prime Minister. Anatolie Nosatîi, the Minister of Defense, and Dorin Junghietu, the Minister of Energy, completed the group. The Moldovan government stated that the team’s primary goal is to solidify bilateral economic ties and regional security arrangements.

The trip follows a series of preliminary contacts earlier this month. On October 14, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan in Moldova to review shared energy challenges and winter preparations. Two days before that, on October 12, Tofan publicly confirmed that Moldova is considering purchasing natural gas directly from Ukraine to meet domestic demand.

The delegation has a packed schedule for the next day. Tofan is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. The Moldovan government said these leaders will discuss the development of trade cooperation and both nations’ paths toward the European Union.

Beyond the bilateral meetings, Tofan and Koretskyi will both participate in the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event focuses on investment opportunities and the expansion of economic partnerships. This visit occurs while Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated the country is ready to accept a new influx of Ukrainian refugees should the humanitarian situation worsen.