The massive pollution of the Dniester River resulted from a “criminal act” committed by the Russian Federation, Paun Rohovei said. According to the diplomat, missile and drone attacks on the energy complex in Novodnistrovsk, Ukraine, caused the petroleum leaks.
Paun Rohovei said during the “Forum” program on Vocea Basarabiei, “What is happening today on the Dniester River is the consequence of a criminal act by the aggressor, the Russian Federation. On March 7, Ukraine faced a massive attack with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The combined attack targeted several energy facilities, including the energy complex in Novodnistrovsk.”
He specified that at least 1.5 tonnes of combined petroleum products entered the waters of the Dniester River.
Paun Rohovei explained, “On March 10, authorities established that about 1.5 tonnes of combined petroleum products entered the river. These include fuel from exploded missiles as well as leaks accumulated from cracks caused by the attacks.”
He also emphasized that Ukrainian authorities intervened to limit the impact of the pollution, although they could not stop it entirely.
He added, “Ukraine’s air defense forces prevented the complete destruction of the energy complex. Once authorities identified the leaks, they took rapid measures to contain the pollutant. They installed barriers, but they could not fully stop the pollution. At this time, there is no risk of new leaks.”
Authorities in the Republic of Moldova declared a 15 day environmental alert in the basin of the Dniester River after detecting a wave of petroleum pollution affecting multiple sections.
Authorities first observed the substance on the water surface on March 10 and immediately intervened and collected samples to determine its nature and associated risks.
The alert covers multiple administrative areas along the river basin, including Balti, Soroca, Floresti, Singerei, Orhei, Dubasari, Chisinau, and Causeni, as well as localities on the left bank of the Dniester River and parts of other northern and central districts.