The Moldovan government has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector for a period of 60 days, effective from March 25. This decision was made in response to the disruption of a key power transmission line due to Russian attacks on Ukraine.
The government’s resolution requires parliamentary approval, with an extraordinary session scheduled for March 24.
President Maia Sandu stated that the Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the night of March 24 severed Moldova’s critical energy link to Europe. She characterized these attacks as a war crime and an assault on collective security.
“Russia’s attacks on civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine are a war crime – and an attack on all of us. The nighttime strikes severed Moldova’s key energy link to Europe. Alternative routes exist, but the situation remains unstable. Only Russia is responsible for this,”
Sandu wrote on social media platform X.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi confirmed that the affected power line, Isaccea-Vulcănești, connects the energy systems of Moldova and Romania, a European Union member state. Moldova relies on electricity imports from Romania, primarily through a route that traverses southern Ukraine.
The Moldovan authorities reported finding damaged drones near the line in Ukraine, indicating that demining operations will be necessary before repairs can commence. However, no timeline has been provided for how long these operations will take.
The government has stated that four alternative routes for electricity imports are currently being utilized, but emphasized that the situation remains precarious.
Moldova has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector due to disruptions caused by Russian strikes on Ukraine. The government is seeking parliamentary approval while exploring alternative routes for electricity imports amid ongoing instability.