Maia Sandu accused Russia of causing petroleum pollution in the Dnister River after an attack on energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
In a post on X, the Moldovan president said that the Russian attack on the hydroelectric facility in Novodnistrovsk threatens Moldova’s water supply.
“Russia’s attack on the Ukrainian hydropower plant in Novodnistrovsk spilled oil into the Dniester River, threatening Moldova’s water supply. We have declared an environmental alert and are acting to protect our people. Russia bears full responsibility,” Sandu wrote.
The statement comes after authorities in Chisinau declared an environmental alert for the basin of the Dniester River following the detection of a wave of petroleum pollution.
The Government of the Republic of Moldova announced the installation of several protective barriers along the river, including near water intake stations. Teams from environmental and emergency institutions continue to monitor the situation and collect samples to assess the impact of the pollution on water quality.