Ukraine and Moldova to construct bridge across Dniester River

Ukraine and Moldova officially signed an agreement concerning the construction of a bridge between Yampil and Koseuts, two settlements located on the border between the two countries.

The press service of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine reported this.

What is the problem?

The Yampil bridge will be established as an alternate option to the Yampil-Koseuts ferry crossing, which has been out of use for numerous years and has been unable to satisfy the modern necessities of both states' residents, the Ministry declared.

Also, the bridge will allow unloading the international crossing point "Mohyliv-Podilskyi-Otach," through which almost the entire transport flow between Ukraine and Moldova passes.

What is the solution?

The agreement on the construction of a border crossing over the Dniester was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine, the Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure, Oleksandr Kubrakov, and the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Moldova, Lilia Dabija.

^{Photo: mtu.gov.ua/}

How does it work?

The signing of the agreement is a practical continuation of the agreements reached in 2021 by the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, noted Kubrakov.

The full-scale invasion made adjustments to the implementation of the project. Still, the critical need for developing alternative logistics routes made the Yampil Bridge project without alternatives, the Deputy Prime Minister added.

"The bridge will become a key link of the transport corridor between Kyiv and Chisinau. In addition, thanks to the bridge, Ukrainian exporters will have the shortest route from the center of Ukraine to the countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe, bypassing Transnistria, which the Russians occupy," explained Kubrakov.

The total length of the bridge is more than 1400 meters. The artificial structure will have two lanes of traffic with sidewalks on both sides.

Within the bridge project, provisions are made for the installation of sidewalks, with the side stone level lowered within pedestrian crossings by barrier–free standards. Additionally, warning tactile strips have been implemented to assist those with visual impairments.

Thanks to the bridge, Ukrainian exporters will have the shortest route from the center of Ukraine to the countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe, bypassing Transnistria, which the Russians occupy.

For reference:

It should be noted that Moldova ultimately refused Russian gas and wants to join the EU as soon as possible due to the threat from Russia.

Moreover, the president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said in an interview with the Financial Times that her country is safe only thanks to Ukraine.

Sandu also said that Moldova would implement the decision of the International Criminal Court and arrest Russian dictator Vladimir Putin if he comes to the country.