Sulina Canal capacity must be expanded to develop Ukraine’s Danube ports – expert

Ukraine's MP Oksana Savchuk emphasized the necessity for new logistics routes through Romania and Moldova during a speech at the Rebuilding Ukraine Forum in Bucharest. She highlighted the strategic importance of developing transportation infrastructure via the Danube and Romania's transportation networks, particularly for facilitating trade and bolstering the economy.

Savchuk underscored that ports, specifically the Danube and Constanța Airport, are of utmost significance for logistics and cargo transport. She called for securing European Union funding to rebuild and establish new logistics routes connecting Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova, given the constrained capacity of the Black Sea route.

Savchuk planned to present the importance of securing EU-level financing for new logistics routes in her address at the forum. She also aimed to showcase investment opportunities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region and its communities. Upon her arrival in Bucharest, she joined forces with local government representatives from Ivano-Frankivsk, Kalush, and the Zelena community, which shares a direct border with Romania.

Savchuk reported a resurgence in conversations about constructing a new border crossing along the Ukrainian-Romanian frontier within the Zelena community. This development could strengthen cross-border relations and offer additional opportunities for passenger travel and cargo transportation. Moreover, she advocated for augmenting rail infrastructure and adjusting logistics routes to boost transport capacity towards Romania and other European nations.

Savchuk stated that the forum's anticipated outcomes include developing cooperation concepts between Ukrainian communities and identifying partner cities in Romania, which should bolster regional investment projects and deepen economic ties between Ukraine and Romania. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas coordinated through a phone call to maintain stable operations of Ukraine's food corridor in the Black Sea. ISW stated that Russia aims to disrupt both maritime and land-based exports from Ukraine.