Kiliia Raion (Ukrainian: Кілійський район, Kiliiskyi raion; Romanian: Raionul Chilia) was a raion (district) in the southwestern part of Odesa Oblast, Ukraine. Its administrative center was the city of Kiliia (Kilia).
History The raion was established in 1940 following the Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. It existed as an administrative unit within the Ukrainian SSR and subsequently independent Ukraine until the administrative reform of Ukraine implemented on 18 July 2020. As a result of this reform, the number of raions in Odesa Oblast was reduced to seven, and the territory of Kiliia Raion was merged into the expanded Izmail Raion.
Geography The raion was located in the Danube Delta region, bordering Romania to the west and southwest (separated by the Danube River's Kiliia branch) and Moldova to the south. It covered an area of approximately 1,358 square kilometers (524 sq mi). The landscape is characterized by the Danube Delta wetlands, lakes, and agricultural land.
Demographics According to the 2001 Ukrainian Census, the population of the raion was approximately 54,000. The ethnic composition was diverse, with Ukrainians constituting a majority, alongside significant Romanian, Russian, Moldovan, Bulgarian, and Gagauz minorities. The city of Kiliia served as the primary urban center; other notable settlements included the urban-type settlement of Vylkove (known as the "Ukrainian Venice" due to its canals) and numerous villages.
Economy The economy was primarily based on agriculture (grain, sunflower, vegetables), fishing, and fish processing. Tourism played a role, particularly in Vylkove, which serves as a gateway to the Danube Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Cross-border trade with Romania occurred via the ferry crossing at Kiliia.
