CHISINAU, Moldova — Lawmakers in Moldova approved emergency energy measures Tuesday after Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure severed a vital electrical connection between Moldova and Romania.
The nighttime bombardment caused the high-voltage Isaccea-Vulcanesti transmission line to disconnect, prompting Moldovan officials to ask residents to use electricity wisely during busy periods while technicians work on restoration.
The emergency declaration passed with strong support in Moldova’s legislature, receiving approval from 72 members of the 101-seat body. No lawmakers opposed the measure, while 18 chose not to vote.
“What is happening in the energy sector today is not an accident,” said Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. “Russia’s attacks on the civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine represent a war crime, but also an attack on us, here in the Republic of Moldova … Russia is the only one responsible for this.”
Beginning Wednesday, the 60-day emergency period will enable officials to “act faster: mobilize additional resources, protect critical infrastructure and, if necessary, take additional measures to limit the effects of the crisis,” Munteanu explained. “We remain vigilant and act for the safety of every citizen … This is not a measure of panic, it’s a measure of responsibility.”
Due to Moldova’s legacy electrical connections with Ukraine from the Soviet period, the nation has experienced intermittent power disruptions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu estimates repairs to the damaged transmission line will require five to seven days.
Throughout its comprehensive invasion, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including dams and river facilities. The neighboring conflict has significantly affected Moldova, a former Soviet nation seeking European Union membership.
Just last week, tens of thousands of Moldovans lost water access when another Russian attack on a Ukrainian hydroelectric facility caused oil contamination in a major river flowing through both nations.
Located approximately 15 kilometers upstream from Moldova’s northern Ukrainian border, the damaged Ukrainian facility provides water to roughly 80% of Moldova’s 2.5 million residents. In January, Moldova experienced widespread blackouts, including in capital city Chisinau, following a Ukrainian power line disruption that reduced voltage levels.
President Maia Sandu directly accused Moscow on Tuesday, stating that “Russia continues to deliberately undermine the security of the Republic of Moldova and endanger the lives of our citizens.”
“After the bombing of the Ukrainian hydroelectric power plant … tonight, a new brutal attack led to the disconnection of the Isaccea-Vulcanesti line, which in certain periods provides 60-70% of our electricity consumption,” she posted on Facebook. “All these are not accidents, but deliberate actions of Russia to weaken and leave Moldova in the dark.”
Russian officials have consistently rejected claims that they are attempting to destabilize Moldova.
