Ukraine has attracted international assistance to analyze water in the Dniester River after Russian shelling
The situation with the pollution of the Dniester River after missile and drone attacks by Russia is under constant control of the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities. The Dniester is of strategic importance, as it provides up to 80% of Moldova’s drinking needs. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy.
In Ukraine, the main attention was focused on protecting the drinking water intake on the Dniester near the village of Bilyaivka in the Odessa region, as well as on helping Moldova localize pollution.
“Russia is not only destroying the energy system, but also committing ecocide with its actions. The pollution of the Dniester is a direct consequence of Russian aggression. As a result of shelling and firefighting of the affected facilities, hazardous substances entered the water. We recorded an excess of permissible concentrations of petroleum products by 2.5 times, barium by 3–6 times, which indirectly indicates a connection with explosives,” – said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko.
Currently, pollution in Ukraine is recorded in the Dniester Estuary, however, according to the authorities, all necessary measures have been taken to prevent it from entering drinking water intakes, in particular for Odessa. To contain the consequences, boom barriers have already been installed and sorbents are being used.
The Odessa Regional Military Administration is constantly monitoring the situation, and water utilities have received recommendations for enhanced water purification. Sampling and laboratory analysis are also ongoing.
According to Iryna Ovcharenko, Ukraine responded promptly to the situation. The Security Service of Ukraine opened a criminal case due to pollution, specialists from the State Environmental Inspectorate were involved in the investigation, and constant communication has been established between the governments of Ukraine and Moldova. At the same time, continuous laboratory monitoring of water quality is ongoing.
Ukraine and Moldova have also turned to international partners for assistance in conducting additional research. This includes identifying polychlorinated biphenyls and compounds that may be contained in weapons of mass destruction, including components of rocket fuel. Both countries are coordinating their actions and are awaiting the support of international laboratories to conduct the relevant analyses.
