The border with Moldova is open again: The “Vynohradivka” checkpoint has resumed operations following the Russian attack

The “Vynogradivka” border crossing on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border is operational again. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine announced the resumption of border crossing operations.

This refers to the “Vynohradivka–Vulcănești” international road crossing, located in the Bolhrad District of the Odesa Region. The Ukrainian side has already informed its Moldovan counterparts about the resumption of traffic.

Are people and vehicles being allowed through?

According to border guards, processing has resumed at the checkpoint for:

• citizens crossing the Ukrainian-Moldovan border;
• passenger vehicles;
• buses and other passenger vehicles;
• and freight vehicles, in accordance with established procedures.

The Odesa Regional Infrastructure Restoration and Development Service stated that the crossing is currently operating as usual.

At the same time, following the forced closure, localized lines may form at the access roads. Carriers should check traffic conditions on the route via the “eCherga” service, which separately displays the “Vynogradivka–Vulcanesti” checkpoint for trucks weighing 3.5 metric tons or more.

Information on the number of vehicles and the estimated processing time can also be checked on the interactive map of Ukraine’s border.

What Happened at “Vynogradivka”

On the night of August 24–25, Russian troops attacked the international border crossing with Shahed-type strike drones.

The strike damaged the border facility’s infrastructure. A fire broke out on the premises, which was contained by emergency responders.

Due to the damage, border guards were forced to temporarily suspend the passage of people and vehicles. Customs procedures were also suspended.

The Moldovan side was notified of the closure, and traffic was rerouted to other border crossing points. Drivers and carriers were urged to change their routes until restoration work is completed.

How the border crossing was repaired

The following units were deployed to address the aftermath of the Russian strike:

• units of the State Emergency Service;
• the State Border Guard Service;
• the State Customs Service;
• the National Police;
• the Infrastructure Restoration and Development Service;
• a contractor.

Specialists carried out urgent repair work and created the necessary conditions for the resumption of border and customs control.

The checkpoint is once again allowing citizens and vehicles to pass through. The State Border Guard Service did not announce any specific restrictions following the reopening.

What to Consider Before Traveling

Despite the resumption of operations, the situation in the south of the Odesa region remains dangerous due to regular attacks by Russian drones. The status of border crossings may change depending on the security situation.

Before traveling to Moldova, it is recommended that you:

• check the current status of the border crossing;
• review information about wait times;
• allow extra time for border checks;
• prepare a possible alternative route;
• follow the instructions of border guards during an air raid alert;
• do not stop unnecessarily near border infrastructure.

During an alert, the processing of people and vehicles may be slowed down or temporarily suspended for security reasons.

Russia is attacking border infrastructure in the Odesa region

The strike on “Vynohradivka” was not the first attack on checkpoints in this area. On the night of August 21, Russian troops used drones to damage the “Tabaky” checkpoint on the border with Moldova.

Following that attack, the movement of people and vehicles was also temporarily suspended, but operations at the crossing resumed on August 22.

These repeated strikes indicate a threat to the border and transportation infrastructure in the southern part of the Odesa region. These routes are used by passenger carriers, trucks, tourists, and citizens traveling through Moldova to European Union countries.