“Due to the disruption of some power lines in the territory of Ukraine, the automatic protection system was activated, cutting off the supply of electricity. This event led to a frequency drop to 48 Hz in the national power system of Moldova, which resulted in the activation of the automatic protection system of power grids and a partial interruption of electricity supply in the territory of Moldova,” said Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy of Moldova.
An interesting thesis is also put forward by an informant from the Ukrainian website Espreso. A source in the Ukrainian energy management system reports an alleged cyberattack. — The accident started on the Romania-Moldova line, through which Moldova imports electricity. We have unified energy systems. Then the “Zachód-Centrum” line broke down. And cascading failures began due to the activation of automation on network lines. Nuclear power plants have reduced their power, one unit “failed” altogether and this should be said publicly, Espreso's interlocutor notes. — My colleagues believe there was a cyberattack in Moldova or Romania. Not in Ukraine. But we need to investigate it, the source added.
Moldovans themselves do not rule out Russian interference. – I pray to God that the war will end – one of the residents of Chisinau tells Libertatea.
The power outage in the Moldovan power system occurred at approximately 10.40 [9.40 w Polsce]and work is currently underway to rectify the situation. Chisinau also suffered from a power outage at approximately 11.00 [10.00 w Polsce]which affected the functioning of traffic lights and public transport. Trolleybuses were stopped or parked due to power outages.
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“We urgently called on the people responsible for the situation to investigate the situation and connect generators if necessary. We urgently ask the police to report to the intersections and direct traffic at the broken traffic lights, and the people in the center to explain the situation. Trolleybuses are parked in many places. We ask residents to stay calm and quiet,” said Mayor Ion Ceban, quoted by “Ziarul de Garda”, an independent Moldovan weekly.
Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy and infrastructure programs at the Razumkov Center, who is an energy expert at the Razumkov Center, in addition to the probable cyber attack, it also takes into account the possibility of activity of Russian saboteurs, in particular in Moldova.
I believe that cyberattacks and sabotage by the Russian secret services cannot be ruled out, because it took place on the eve of the so-called peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in the United Arab Emirates. Having created the image of a peacemaker with the help of Donald Trump by agreeing to a several-day energy truce, the Russian Federation could probably switch to hybrid methods of attacks on the energy system. The likelihood of sabotage is greater in Moldova, where many Russian agents operate
– says Omelczenko.
Moldovans have no illusions. “Russians are to blame”
Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal says transmission lines between Romania and Moldova, as well as between western and central Ukraine, have been interrupted. He emphasizes that Ukraine is struggling with a “significant energy shortage” as Russia intensifies energy attacks, attacking Ukraine's critical infrastructure with missiles and drones.
The mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, appeals to residents to remain calm. The exact cause of this serious failure is not yet known, but Kyiv has ruled out a cyber attack.
There was no electricity in my house at 11:00 [10.00 w Polsce]but then he came back. There was no electricity in the theater, but then it came back. We weren't sure if we would be able to play today, but we were told the power would come back on. The Russians – who else – are to blame for this
– says Ludmiła Botnaru, an actress from Chisinau.
— I have electricity in my apartment, but half the neighborhood doesn't have it – I can't even make coffee. Now I'm in the supermarket and everything is fine. But upstairs, in other supermarkets there is no electricity and they are not working. Who is responsible for this? The Russians are bombing – they are bombing Ukrainian energy infrastructure – says Doina Bejenaru, a resident of Chisinau.
— Of course, the Russians are to blame for this. Or maybe our government was trying to show us how Ukrainians feel – I'm kidding, of course – someone else is trying to defuse a tense situation.
— I don't even want to think about connections with the war in Ukraine. “I pray to God that this war will end,” a woman from Mindic, a village in the north of the country, shakes her head.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
