Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement at the European Commission, commented on the environmental situation in the Republic of Moldova, stating that Russia’s attack on a hydropower facility in Ukraine led to the pollution of the Dniester River, one of the country’s main sources of drinking water.
“Russia’s attack on the hydropower plant in Novodnistrovsk, Ukraine, has polluted the Dniester River, a vital source of drinking water for the majority of citizens of the Republic of Moldova. This is a reminder that Russia’s war does not stop at Ukraine’s borders. We stand in solidarity with Moldova. Together with our member states, the European Commission is ready to provide support through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism,” Kos wrote.
About a week ago, an oil slick was observed on the Dniester River, which was later identified as petroleum. Since then, responsible institutions have been present daily at the site and have installed three new absorbent barriers to contain the pollutants. Romania has also sent assistance, including equipment and intervention materials to help manage the pollution incident.
Authorities declared a 15-day environmental alert for the basin of the Dniester River, a decision unanimously approved by the government during an extraordinary meeting after a continuous wave of petroleum pollution was detected.
Earlier, the Promo-LEX Association filed a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Moldova, claiming that the pollution was caused by a military attack carried out by Russia on the Dniester Hydropower Complex in Novodnistrovsk, Ukraine, on March 7, 2026. The NGO requested the initiation of criminal proceedings for water pollution and ecocide under Moldova’s Criminal Code.
As a result of the contamination, residents in Soroca, Balti, Floresti, and Singerei have been left without drinking water. According to the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova, water supply from the Dniester River will remain suspended for at least another 12 hours.