Moldova declares environmental emergency as Russian attacks contaminate Dniester River
President Maia Sandu has declared a nationwide environmental alert after Russian strikes on Ukraine's Novodnestrovsk hydroelectric plant caused a massive oil spill. The contamination is currently threatening the primary water supply for the Republic of Moldova.
Într-un mesaj pe platforma X, șefa statului susține că „Rusia poartă întreaga responsabilitate” pentru această situație.
„Atacul Rusiei asupra hidrocentralei ucrainene de la Novodnestrovsk a deversat petrol în râul Nistru, amenințând alimentarea cu apă a Moldovei. Am declarat alertă ecologică și acționăm pentru a ne proteja poporul. Rusia poartă întreaga responsabilitate”, a scris Maia Sandu, în seara zilei de 15 martie, pe platforma X.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant has spilled oil into the Nistru River, threatening Moldova’s water supply.
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) March 15, 2026
We declared environmental alert and are acting to protect our people. Russia bears full responsibility.
In an official statement, President Sandu emphasized that Russia holds full accountability for the escalating crisis. The spill has continuously leaked petroleum products into the Dniester River since the dam was first damaged on March 7.
Emergency containment measures
The Moldovan government has instituted a formal environmental state of emergency for the entire river basin, effective for 15 days starting March 16. Authorities are working to limit the spread of the slick using specialized equipment.
Intervention teams have installed containment booms and absorbent filtration systems at strategic points along the river. These efforts are being conducted with technical support from emergency response units from neighboring Romania.
Impact on local communities
Water supply has been preemptively suspended in several northern localities, including the city of Balti. However, authorities confirm that water quality parameters in the capital, Chisinau, currently remain within safety limits.
Strict prohibitions are now in place regarding fishing, irrigation, and livestock watering from the Dniester. State institutions are actively preparing alternative water sources for high-risk areas to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
