In early March, residents of Naslavcea, a Moldovan village bordering Ukraine, awoke to a grim scene: the Nistru River, a vital water source, was contaminated with oil. The pollution, which began shortly after Russian forces attacked Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydropower complex upriver, has raised concerns about environmental safety and public health.
The attack on Novodnistrovsk, located just 15 miles from Moldova, occurred on March 9, according to local reports. Ilie Cojocari, a nature vlogger from Naslavcea, described the aftermath: “The smell of oil was overwhelming, and dark spots floated on the water’s surface.” Cojocari noted that the shelling from the attack kept his entire district awake that night.
Analysts suggest the contamination may be a direct result of damage to the hydropower complex, which could have released oil and other pollutants into the river. “The proximity of the attack to Moldova’s border makes this an immediate concern for the region,” said an environmental official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Moldovan government has yet to issue a formal statement, but local officials have begun testing water samples and urging residents to avoid using river water for drinking or irrigation. The incident highlights the broader environmental risks posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has already caused significant damage to infrastructure and natural resources.
Looking ahead, experts warn that such incidents could become more frequent as the war drags on. “The environmental impact of this conflict extends far beyond Ukraine’s borders,” said a regional analyst. “Neighboring countries like Moldova are already feeling the effects.”