Moldova's parliament approved the introduction of a 60-day energy state of emergency after Russian attacks in neighbouring Ukraine knocked out of service a power line providing most of the country's energy. Deputies approved the measure with 72 votes in favour in the 101-member chamber.
"The consequences of the war in Ukraine can no longer be ignored. These attacks directly affect us, and the risks to the power system are real," Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu told the chamber in urging members to endorse the proposal.
"We have withstood this before, and we will withstand it now,." he added.
With the line down, he said, Moldova faced power shortages of up to 400 megawatts at peak hours. Ukrainian officials, he said, hoped to restore the line within five to seven days.
The opposition Socialists and Communists refused to support the measure, aimed at enabling authorities to work more efficiently to tackle problems and keep services running.
The Isaccea-Vulcanesti line carries power from Romania to Moldova, passing through 40 km (25 miles) of Ukrainian territory. It provides up to 70% of the power needed in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania.
"You will understand that power cuts are quite likely," Munteanu said. "And further attacks cannot be ruled out."
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu accused Russia and described the strike on the power line as a war crime, "with the aim of leaving thousands of people in the dark. It is a direct attack on us."
President Maia Sandu said earlier alternative routes for providing power were in place, but the situation remained serious.
Sandu has repeatedly denounced Russia's four-year-old war against Ukraine, which has buffeted Moldova, with missiles frequently landing on its territory. Moscow says her administration is fomenting hostility toward Russians.
Last week, Sandu said Moldova held Russia responsible for an attack on a hydroelectric plant in southern Ukraine that triggered mass contamination of the Dniester River and disrupted water supplies.
Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (17 April) following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, ra...
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday (18 April) launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) dea...
Global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of partial recovery after Iran announced it was open to commercial vessels during a li...
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Su...
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said his country could provide a “safe corridor” and “alternative route” for regional ...
Parts of Ukraine and Moldova, including Kyiv and Chisinau, were plunged into blackouts on Saturday after a malfunction on high-voltage power lines, with electricity restored later in the day.
The European Commission has announced €153 million ($183 million) in emergency aid for Ukraine, alongside €8 million ($9.5 million) to support Moldova, which hosts large numbers of Ukrainian refugees.
Moldova's government in Chisinau has initiated the final legal steps to sever its institutional ties with Moscow’s post-Soviet alliance, marking a decisive moment in the small Eastern European nation’s pivot towards the West.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday (18 April) launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014.
European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
NeaNearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record, the United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday.
Tens of thousands of people filled a stadium in Douala on Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo during what is expected to be the largest event of his African tour.
AmerAmerican businesses are preparing for a major moment next week as the U.S. government launches a long-awaited system to return billions in unlawfully collected tariffs.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment