Resolving the Republic of Moldova’s separatist issue and joining the European Union are the primary objectives of President Maia Sandu and her administration. Yet, the war between Russia and Ukraine is a constant reminder for Chisinau that there are serious, ever-present day threats to the country’s stability. Russian drones, water pollution, and energy security are daily threats and concerns for the Moldovan population and government; these challenges could also delay Moldova’s preparations for European Union membership. While Moldova has not become a target of the hostilities, incidents continue to occur. Specifically, suspected Russian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and missiles have been detected flying through Moldovan airspace, while some drones have crashed on Moldovan territory – a reminder that the frontlines of the war are not far away.

While some threats come from above, others stem from being next to Ukraine. An alarming incident occurred in mid-April, when the Moldovan government declared an environmental emergency after the waters of the Dniester River (râului Nistru in Romanian) were polluted by a Russian attack on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant, which resulted in a major oil spill into the river. Moldova’s Parliament subsequently passed a resolution blaming Moscow for polluting the Dniester River.The damage at the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant is not the first time in recent weeks that Russian attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure have affected Moldova: Russian attacks against Ukraine’s energy industries also affect electricity flows to neighboring Moldova. Recently, an attack against power plants in southern Ukraine damaged the 400 kV Vulcănești–Isaccea overhead power line, a main artery for electricity flow between the two states. This line can provide up to 60-70% of Moldova’s energy consumption (excluding separatist Transnistria),........

© E-International