Moldova has declared a 15-day environmental alert after a Russian attack on a hydroelectric plant in southern Ukraine caused an oil spill, polluting the Dniestr River and disrupting water supplies. The strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydro station on March 7 led to widespread contamination, prompting authorities to cut off water services in Balti, Moldova's second-largest city, affecting 90,000 residents, along with three other towns.
President Maia Sandu directly blamed Russia for the pollution, stating, 'Russia bears full responsibility.' The outages are expected to last at least another 12 hours into Tuesday. Schools have been closed, with students switching to online learning as a precaution.
Moldova's foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador over the attack, condemning it as a threat to the environment and water security. The EU has offered support, with EU Commissioner Marta Kos stating, 'This is a reminder that Russia's war does not stop at Ukraine's borders.'
Sandu, who is campaigning for EU membership by 2030, has repeatedly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Moscow accuses her of fostering Russophobia. The EU has provided significant financial aid to Moldova since Sandu's election in 2020.
