Ukraine ensures transparent response to cross-border challenges on the Dnister, — Ministry of Economy

The pollution of the Dnister River is of a combined nature and is associated with the consequences of missile and drone attacks on infrastructure facilities.

This was reported by the Ministry of Economy.  

Possible sources of pollution of the Dnister River, the dynamics of its spread, as well as measures taken by Ukraine to localize and minimize the consequences were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Iryna Ovcharenko and Charge d’Affaires ai of the Republic of Moldova in Ukraine Octavian Ionesi.

The parties noted that the pollution is of a combined nature and is associated with the consequences of missile and drone attacks on infrastructure facilities. Ukraine promptly informed Moldovan partners about this in accordance with current intergovernmental agreements.

Also, since the beginning of the detection of pollution, Ukraine has been ensuring constant monitoring of water quality, conducting laboratory tests and implementing the necessary measures to mitigate the impact. In particular, boom barriers have been installed, sorbents have been applied, and the operation mode of the reservoirs is regulated taking into account the requests of the Moldovan side.

The participants also confirmed the coordination of actions between Ukraine and Moldova: information exchange, joint water sampling, and the possibility of strengthening direct communication channels between relevant institutions.

“It is fundamentally important for us to ensure prompt and coordinated interaction with the Republic of Moldova in responding to cross-border challenges. We are responsible for fulfilling international obligations and are doing everything necessary to protect water resources and the safety of citizens on both sides of the border,” noted Iryna Ovcharenko.

As of the end of March, water quality indicators in the Dnister River have stabilized and do not exceed regulatory values, and no threats to drinking water supply have been recorded.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordinating actions and agree on further steps of cooperation to minimize the consequences of pollution and prevent similar situations in the future.

USM previously reported that the Moldovan Foreign Ministry presented the Russian ambassador with a bottle of contaminated water from the Dnister.