Relaunched after the start of the war in Ukraine, the Chisinau-Odesa train enjoys huge demand
The Chisinau-Odesa train was relaunched after a break of over three years caused by the start of Moscow's war against Kiev. It enjoys a huge demand, and over 60% of the tickets have been sold, Ukrainian media reports.
The Chisinau-Odesa train was resumed after a break of over three years. PHOTO: Zn.ua
According to “Zn.ua” journalists, the Ukrainian authorities resumed the railway connection between Odesa and Chisinau, having a huge demand from passengers. And in the first three hours after the launch of sales, 60% of the available seats were bought.
“This high interest is explained not only by convenience, but also by safety: against the background of constant Russian attacks on roads, bridges and other civil infrastructure, the train has become a reliable alternative to risky journeys by road transport”. note the cited media source.
And in order to satisfy the needs of passengers and ensure a stable logistic link with Moldova, the structure from Kiev introduced daily flights from Odesa to Chisinau, adding additional wagons in both directions.
Attacks on a strategic bridge
On December 19, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) in Chisinau issued a travel warning due to attacks on a strategic bridge on the border with Ukraine, recommending that people avoid traveling through the Palanca border crossing.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs the citizens of the Republic of Moldova about the security situation in the border area with Ukraine, based on the information communicated by the General Inspectorate of the Border Police. In the context of ongoing security risks, including attacks in the vicinity of the area, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends citizens to avoid traveling in this direction. The MAE will continue to monitor developments and will inform the public according to the situation on the ground.” the MFA representatives from Chisinau mentioned.
Starting from the afternoon of Thursday, December 18, the bridge on the Odesa-Reni route, located near the border of the Republic of Moldova and which ensures the crossing of the Dniester River, was attacked with drones, announced the Chisinau Border Police.
The incident occurred around 16:00, during an air strike launched on the territory of Ukraine, when drones carrying explosive charges hit the bridge located near the town of Maiaki-Udobnoe.
As a result, the bridge was badly destroyed, a woman died on the way to the hospital, and three children who were in a car on the bridge suffered injuries and were hospitalized.
Attacks on the strategic bridge continued for the next dozens of hours, including throughout the day on Friday.
