What prompted the preparation for such a decision?
Moldova may introduce a state of emergency in the energy sector for a period of 60 days against the backdrop of massive strikes by the Russian Federation on its energy system.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement from Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexander Muțanu.
Read also: Massive shelling of Ukraine has impacted Moldova’s energy sector: what is known
“Nighttime strikes led to the shutdown of the main power transmission line that supplies Moldova with electricity – the Vulcănești-Isaccea line. Four interconnection lines with Romania were activated, but the situation remains complicated,” Muțanu noted.
According to him, Russia bears sole responsibility for this. He also emphasized that the Moldovan government must act swiftly and responsibly.
“Today at 1:00 PM, I convened a government meeting, and we will propose to introduce a state of emergency in the energy sector for 60 days. This is not a measure of panic, but a measure of responsibility. It is a necessary step to act quickly, in a coordinated manner, and in the interest of the people,” he added.
He also mentioned that in the afternoon he would go to parliament along with ministers and those responsible for managing the situation to present all arguments and necessary measures, as well as to seek support from the deputies.
“The introduction of a state of emergency will allow us to act faster: mobilize additional resources, protect critical infrastructure, and, if necessary, implement additional measures to mitigate the consequences of the crisis,” Muțanu concluded.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu called the strikes on the energy sector a war crime by Russia.
“Russia’s strikes on civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine are a war crime and an attack on all of us. The nighttime strikes severed Moldova’s key energy link with Europe,” Sandu noted.
According to her, alternative routes exist, but the situation remains unstable, and Russia bears full responsibility for this.
Drones detected near power lines
It is noted that downed drones were found in close proximity to the damaged infrastructure of the power lines. This necessitates restricting access for technical teams and conducting demining operations to safely carry out the necessary work.
What preceded this
Recall that on the evening of March 23, due to strikes by Russia on Ukraine, the cross-border power transmission line connecting the energy systems of Moldova and Romania was shut down. The situation remains unstable.
Also, at the end of January, Moldova experienced a partial blackout due to shelling by Russia. At that time, a drop in voltage was recorded on the 400 kV “Isaccea – Vulcănești – MDRES” line, which triggered an emergency failure.
