russian attack causes cross-border pollution of the Dniester: Ukraine and Moldova mitigate the consequences

Following russia’s mixed missile and drone attack on energy infrastructure facilities on March 7, oil pollution was detected in the Dniester River. Oily slicks and spills were found on the water’s surface in Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, and Odesa regions along the river’s flow. Laboratory tests confirmed that the levels of petroleum products in the water exceeded standard limits.

This was reported by Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, during a broadcast on the Suspilne TV channel.

According to her, this is not a solid stain, but rather separate clusters of oily fragments moving downstream along the Dniester. That is why the key task now is constant monitoring of the situation, rapid response, and coordination of actions by all responsible agencies.

“This is not a single solid, dense stain. It consists of clusters of small oily fragments moving downstream. According to preliminary data, this situation arose following a massive rocket and drone attack on March 7, when rocket fuel and other petroleum products entered the water,” noted Iryna Ovcharenko.

The pollution was recorded on March 10. Following this, Ukrainian services, together with Moldovan partners, held operational consultations and developed a joint action plan to contain the consequences.

In particular, oil booms are being installed near the towns of Oksanivka in Vinnytsia region and Soroca in the Republic of Moldova to contain the spread of pollution. Units of the State Emergency Service and local authorities are involved in the operation. Despite strong currents and challenging weather conditions, which have damaged the boom lines in some places, the situation remains under control.

“Based on the test results, we are recording levels of petroleum products in the water that are approximately 2.5 times higher than normal. Laboratory tests confirm the presence of petroleum substances, but it is currently impossible to determine their exact origin—whether it is missile fuel or other technical petroleum products,” explained Iryna Ovcharenko.

Special attention is being paid to the lower reaches of the Dniester, particularly the areas near the water intakes that supply drinking water to major cities. According to experts’ estimates, it takes about eight days for water to travel from the site where the contamination was detected to the Odesa water intake. During this time, the pollutants naturally dilute, but water supply companies have already been advised to intensify water treatment.

Iryna Ovcharenko also emphasized that this incident has a transboundary nature, as the Dniester is a vital water source for both Ukrainian and Moldovan cities, particularly Odesa and Chișinău. That is why Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are coordinating further actions within the framework of the Commission on the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin. In particular, they are preparing joint appeals to international organizations regarding the assessment of the environmental consequences of the russian attacks.