Kyiv, Chisinau sign military-technical cooperation deal as Moldovan PM visits Kyiv

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional comments by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine and Moldova signed a military-technical cooperation agreement on Oct. 26 during Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan's visit to Kyiv, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"We support Moldova, your sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We are always happy to help and provide support. We have very good relations and communication at the presidential level," Zelensky said.

"The agreement opens the way for an exchange of experience," Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi told reporters.

In addition to the agreement, Zelensky and Tofan discussed Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession and the security situation in eastern Moldova's Russian-occupied Transnistria region.

Tofan arrived in the Ukrainian capital alongside Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Vladimir Bolea, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii, and Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu for a working visit.

Zelensky reiterated that the EU accession process of both countries should not be separated and condemned any efforts to do so.

"Moldova and Ukraine are certainly stronger when we move forward on this track together. And it is important that we carry on together, because it is fair," he said.

Tofan's visit comes after Zelensky's recent push to keep Ukraine's and Moldova's EU accession processes linked. The two countries have so far pursued EU membership together, but the arrangement could slow Moldova's progress as it advances faster than Kyiv on reforms required for accession.

"I am in Kyiv today to reconfirm Moldova's support for our Ukrainian neighbours and friends, as well as to discuss joint projects in infrastructure, energy, and security," Tofan wrote on social media.

Ukraine proposed resuming Solidarity lanes that allow for easier trade with Europe, a lifeline for Ukrainian exports as Russia targets Black Sea ports.

Zelensky also thanked Moldova for supporting a Vertical Gas Corridor and for offering a discount on gas transit via the Trans-Balkan route.

Earlier in the day, the Moldovan prime minister and his Ukrainian counterpart Koretskyi paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders at the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv.

"The prime ministers will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, developing economic and trade cooperation, regional security, and the two countries' European path," the Moldovan government said.

According to Koretskyi, Kyiv proposed expanding cooperation with Chisinau through the demining coalition.

Ukraine and Moldova cooperate on regional security and efforts to counter Russian hybrid threats. Moldova's airspace has been violated by Russian drones on multiple occasions, while Russian attacks on Ukraine have also affected areas near the Moldovan border.

Last week, Moldovan President Maia Sandu declared a member of the Russian embassy in Moldova persona non grata after a Russian drone violated Moldova's airspace and fell near homes in the country's center.

Tofan said on Oct. 26 that Moldova's airspace had been violated more than 100 times since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting Chisinau to seek Ukraine's expertise in air defense.

"We can't ignore these risks," he said.