Society

Moldovans face drinking water cut-off as strike on Ukrainian site causes major oil spill

Maria Kamińska
 17.03.2026, 20:44
An oil leak caused by a Russian strike contaminated water in the Dniester River, cutting off thousands of Moldovans from drinking water supplies. Photo: Facebook/ Primăria municipiului Bălți
An oil leak caused by a Russian strike contaminated water in the Dniester River, cutting off thousands of Moldovans from drinking water supplies. Photo: Facebook/ Brigada Infanterie Motorizată "Moldova"

The Dniester River accounts for as much as 80% of total water use in Moldova, officials say.