The border with Moldova is closed to buses and trucks: what you need to know
17 February 22:32
Due to the sharp deterioration of weather conditions in southern Ukraine, the movement of buses, minibuses, and freight transport to border crossing points with Moldova will be temporarily restricted. The restrictions will apply to the strategic M-15 Odessa-Reni highway and will take effect at 5:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026. This was reported by the State Border Service of Ukraine and the Odessa Regional Military Administration, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What vehicles will not be allowed to cross the border
According to border guards, the following will be temporarily suspended:
- trucks (lorries),
- buses,
- minibuses,
in the direction of border crossing points with Moldova.
At the same time, passenger cars are currently allowed to travel without restrictions.
The restrictions will apply along the entire length of the M-15 Odessa-Reni state highway, which is a key transport artery for international transport in this region.
Which checkpoints are temporarily unavailable
The restrictions will affect the operation of a number of checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, in particular:
- “Palanka-Mayaki-Udobne”
- “Starokozache”
- “Serpneve”
- Maloyaroslavets
- “Lisne”
- Reni
- “Dolynske”
- “Orlivka”
- Vinogradivka
- “Tabaki”
- Novye Trojany
The Moldovan side has already been notified of the restrictions in order to coordinate the actions of border services.
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When the restrictions may be lifted
The restrictions will take effect at 5:00 a.m. on February 18 and will remain in place until the weather situation stabilizes. No specific date has been set for the resumption of traffic for trucks and buses.
The State Border Service emphasizes that the decision was made to ensure the safety of drivers and avoid traffic chaos due to difficult weather conditions.
The lifting of restrictions will be announced additionally through official channels.
Carriers were urged to change their routes
The Odesa Regional Military Administration recommends that carriers and citizens plan alternative routes in advance and take restrictions into account when planning transport logistics.
These temporary measures will help avoid accidents, traffic jams, and traffic blockages in border areas.
The reason for the restrictions is bad weather and icy roads
According to weather forecasts, difficult weather conditions are expected in most regions of Ukraine:
- severe frosts down to –19°C in the northern regions,
- icy roads,
- wet snow and gusty winds,
- sharp temperature fluctuations.
Such weather conditions significantly complicate the movement of large vehicles and create a risk of accidents.
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