Tofan did not reveal all the cards about the meeting in Kiev. Zelenskyy: Moldova's separation from Ukraine in the EU accession process is unacceptable

The Ukrainian Presidency has made public several topics discussed by Volodymyr Zelensky with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, which were not mentioned in the Chisinau Government's statement on the meeting on October 26. These include the situation in the Transnistrian region, the associated security challenges and Kiev's firm position against the separation of the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine in the process of accession to the European Union. While the Moldovan Executive limited itself to presenting general topics regarding security, infrastructure and European integration, the Ukrainian Presidency provided additional details about the discussions between the two officials.

During the discussions, the Ukrainian leader insisted that the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must continue their accession negotiations to the European Union together, considering any attempt to separate the two states in this process unacceptable.

According to a statement of the Presidency of Ukraine, published on Monday, October 26, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Kiev's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing that the Ukrainian authorities are ready to continue providing assistance to Chisinau.

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

One of the main topics of the meeting was the European integration process. The Ukrainian President emphasized that the paths of the two countries should not be separated and that joint accession to the European Union is an important goal for both states.

"Moldova and Ukraine are definitely stronger when we move together in this direction. It is important to continue to be together, because it is right," Zelenskyy said.

The situation in the Transnistrian region, including security challenges in the region, was also addressed. However, the Ukrainian presidency did not provide details about possible solutions or concrete measures discussed by the two officials.

Another topic was cooperation in the field of defense, in the context of the signing of an agreement on military-technical cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The document was signed by the Moldovan Minister of Defense, Anatolie Nosatîi, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Yevhenii Khmara, during the visit of the Moldovan delegation to Kiev. The agreement aims to expand the exchange of experience, technologies and practical knowledge between the two states, including for the development of defense capabilities and the protection of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova.

In the economic field, Zelenskyy proposed resuming the operation of the "Solidarity Corridors", a mechanism designed to facilitate the transport and export of Ukrainian goods to other European countries. These routes are important for Ukraine as the war launched by Russia affects the country's infrastructure and export possibilities.

The two officials also discussed reducing tariffs for the transport of Ukrainian goods, in order to facilitate transit and develop trade ties between the two countries.

In the energy sector, the Ukrainian President thanked the Republic of Moldova for its support for the Vertical Gas Corridor, including the decision to reduce natural gas transit tariffs on the Trans-Balkan route. This infrastructure allows for the transportation of gas between several states in the region and represents one of the alternatives for diversifying energy supplies.

Another topic of the meeting was Ukraine's support for water supply to the Republic of Moldova. However, the Ukrainian Presidency's communiqué does not specify what projects or measures were discussed in this area.