Russian attack contaminates Dniester River; pollution reaches Moldova

The contamination has spread downstream and reached some areas of Moldova.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture said preliminary findings indicate the pollution likely came from technical (transformer) oils released from infrastructure near the Dniester HPP during the March 7 attack.

Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities are working together to contain the pollution and minimize its effects. The ministry added Russia’s actions should receive appropriate international legal scrutiny.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine began containment operations, including deploying containment booms and using sorbent materials to localize and recover the oil.

Chernivtsi regional governor Ruslan Osypenko previously stated Russia targeted the HPP with four Kalibr cruise missiles and 11 strike drones.