Moldova and Ukraine agree to reduce Dniester River water flow

Moldova and Ukraine have reached a compromise to reduce the water flow from the Novodnistrovsk reservoir into the Dniester River to 60 cubic meters per second for the next two weeks. This decision follows discussions between Moldovan authorities and a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The reduction is a response to a severe drought that has caused the reservoir's water level to drop from a normal 123 meters to nearly 112 meters. Recent data shows an average inflow of only 23 cubic meters per second, while previous discharge rates were maintained at 75 cubic meters per second, placing extreme pressure on reserves.

The situation poses risks to water supplies in Chișinău and several other Moldovan localities, as well as to Ukrainian cities and the operation of the Novodnistrovsk power plant. Additionally, the water shortage has implications for energy security; Moldova currently covers approximately 10-20% of its electricity needs through imports from Ukraine. President Zelenskyy has provided assurances that Ukraine will seek solutions to prevent Moldovan citizens from being adversely affected by the water reduction.