PM says Russia’s war against Ukraine has more and more consequences affecting Moldova directly

Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to have direct effects on Moldova. The attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has triggered a wave of pollution along the Dniester River, which has reached Moldovan territory and is affecting water sources in the north of the country. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has made statements to this effect, in the context of the introduction of an environmental alert for a period of 15 days.

“The pollution wave continues to move downstream, and in the Naslavcea–Soroca area, there are exceedances of the permitted values for oil products and aromatic hydrocarbons in the water. Even if, in some points, the values may temporarily return to acceptable limits, the substance keeps coming in waves, which makes it difficult to accurately predict how the situation will evolve,” said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The head of the executive noted that, over the next 15 days, all institutions would be mobilized.

“All responsible institutions are mobilized – intervention and coordination mechanisms have been activated and central and local authorities are acting around the clock to monitor, limit the effects of pollution and protect water sources,” the prime minister specified.

Munteanu detailed that, on the coming period, additional barriers would be installed at the Dubasari reservoir, water wells would be inventoried by authorities and economic agents for use if necessary, and temporary restrictions on water intake and use would be applied in the affected areas.

“The state of alert allows for the mobilization of additional resources, including from state reserves, and the integration of international teams that have come to the aid of Moldova through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism,” the prime minister noted.

The prime minister recalled the intervention timeline: Russia’s attack on the hydropower plant in Ukraine on March 7; detection of the first oil slicks on March 10; installation of the first filters in Cusernita, Soroca, between March 11–13; suspension of water supply in the Naslavcea area and installation of additional barriers on March 12; technical assistance on behalf of Romania on March 13, with the installation of barriers in Cusernita, Arionesti and Cosauti; suspension of water supply at the Cosauti station on March 14; and the installation of additional barriers in Cosernita and the declaration of the state of alert on March 15.

The prime minister stressed that Romania had provided immediate support, sending equipment and experts to limit the pollution, while Moldovan authorities are monitoring the situation permanently and coordinating interventions with international partners to protect ecosystems and public health.

The Dniester River has been affected by contamination with oil substances as a result of the attack on a hydropower plant in Ukraine by Russian forces. The pollutant was discharged into the watercourse and began moving toward the territory of Moldova, endangering aquatic ecosystems and water sources for riparian communities.