An attack by Russian forces on the Dniester Hydroelectric Plant has resulted in oil products spilling into the river, posing a significant environmental threat to Moldova. In response, the Moldovan government has mobilized its army and requested assistance from the European Union.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized the urgent need for specialists and equipment to contain the oil spill and assess water quality. Teams from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, along with units from the National Army of Moldova, are currently working to mitigate the damage along the Dniester River.
“We are asking for support from our European partners to quickly mobilize teams of specialists and the necessary equipment for operations on the Dniester. This includes equipment for capturing, containing, and collecting oil pollution from the water, as well as mobile stations for testing water quality,” Recean stated.
Environment Minister Gheorghe Hojder warned that communities in northern Moldova may face water supply shortages. A yellow alert has already been issued for the area around the village of Naslavcea.
“The Ukrainian side is conducting work on its section of the shore this morning. Specialists from Romania are installing additional filters for water purification,” Hojder reported.
Fishing has been banned in the Naslavcea-Dubasari area until April 1, and military personnel from the National Army have been deployed to northern Moldova to assist local authorities in addressing the environmental crisis.
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that the river pollution is a direct consequence of the Russian strike on the Dniester Hydroelectric Plant, which caused a leak of technical oils that have flowed into the neighboring country.
“By attacking hydroelectric facilities, the enemy is deliberately provoking a humanitarian crisis in both countries simultaneously. This is an assault on the fundamental right of millions of people—the right to water. This terrorism is not localized; it threatens the entire European security system,” Lubinets remarked.
He added that such actions by Russia constitute a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions. Corresponding letters are being prepared for the United Nations to document this act of ecocide and seek an international legal assessment of the aggressor’s actions.
Moldova is confronting an environmental crisis due to an oil spill from the Dniester River, following a Russian attack on a hydroelectric facility. The government has mobilized resources and requested European assistance to manage the situation and prevent further damage.