Chisinau Warned Transnistria of the Risk of Water Problems
Chisinau has called on the authorities of unrecognized Transnistria not to reduce the water discharge from the Dubossary Reservoir. Moldova warns that this could affect the stability of the capital’s water supply. At the same time, Tiraspol accuses Chisinau and Kyiv of creating a new crisis, but Moldovan authorities deny this.
On August 4, Moldova’s Bureau for Reintegration appealed to Tiraspol, urging it not to reduce water releases from the Dubossary Reservoir. Officials in Chisinau explain that the capital’s normal water supply depends on this. Therefore, any further reduction in water releases could create problems for Chisinau.
The situation stems from a drought in the Dniester River basin. Due to low water levels, Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to limit water releases from the Dniester Reservoir. Chisinau emphasizes that this is a necessary measure to protect the shared interests of both countries.
Tiraspol Accuses Chisinau
In unrecognized Transnistria, the decision by Chisinau and Kyiv was received differently. Officials there stated that restricting water releases could allegedly lead to a new humanitarian crisis in the region.
Moldova’s Bureau for Reintegration rejected these accusations. The agency stated that these accusations distort the actual situation regarding the Dniester’s water resources. In fact, the parties currently have differing assessments of the situation. Chisinau emphasizes the need to conserve water due to the drought, while Tiraspol fears the consequences of restricting water releases.
Tiraspol has not yet responded
Moldovan authorities have called on Transnistria not to reduce water releases from the Dubossary Reservoir and to consider the potential consequences for Chisinau’s water supply. As of August 4, Tiraspol had not officially responded to Chisinau’s request.
The situation remains sensitive for both banks of the Dniester, as the drought has reduced water resources in the river, and decisions regarding their use directly affect the region’s water supply and other needs. This was reported by Newsmaker.
Starting June 28, 2026, the “Bessarabia” train on the Kyiv–Chisinau route will run daily and will include a specialized children’s car.
