Moldovan PM Tofan arrives in Kyiv with defense and energy chiefs

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan landed in Kyiv on Monday, October 26, leading a delegation tasked with finalizing energy and trade terms with Ukraine.

Tofan is accompanied by three cabinet ministers: Vladimir Bolea, head of Infrastructure and Regional Development; Anatolie Nosatîi, the Defense Minister; and Dorin Junghietu, the Energy Minister. Their presence signals a focus on security and winter energy security alongside broader diplomatic goals.

The Moldovan government stated that Tofan and Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, regional security, and both nations' paths toward the European Union. The two leaders are also scheduled to speak at the Kyiv International Economic Forum, which focuses on investment opportunities.

Tofan is set to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chair of the Ukrainian Parliament. This high-level engagement follows earlier contacts between the two governments. On October 14, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tofan in Chisinau to review joint energy challenges and winter preparations.

Tofan previously indicated on October 12 that Moldova is considering buying natural gas from Ukraine to meet domestic needs. This potential deal would reduce Moldova's reliance on other suppliers. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has also said the country is prepared to accept a new wave of refugees if the humanitarian situation in Ukraine deteriorates further.