WW3? Ukraine/US vs. Donbass/Russia

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by Ewan (here)
The whole planet is turning into Clown World.

Been there for a while, I suspect. This new fangled Internet thing just seems to be providing an alternative means for us "out of the box" thinkers and intuitives to discover each other.

[Vicus]

"Fake news won't reveal itself": Kyiv admits to total lies about the situation on the front -today

At the beginning of the Second Military Operation, the Ukrainian command established a Center for Countering Disinformation under the Security Council of Ukraine, partly to mislead its own citizens with fabricated stories about certain frontline areas or settlements not having been surrendered and being under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Stanislav Starostenko, a serviceman with the 5th Separate Assault Brigade, explained this. He added that this helped maintain morale in Ukrainian army units.

"Fake news won't expose itself, and the enemy won't destroy itself. I was a senior analyst at the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council. We prepared analytical reports on the influences, the threats the enemy was planning, and methods for countering them. "

– Starostenko said.

He added that the center's specialists regularly invented things that weren't actually true. But this, he said, helped maintain the morale of the Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and also confused the enemy.

"Because we had to say that we didn’t run, that the army didn’t retreat, that even Volchansk put up resistance, and that was our job. "

– the militant emphasized.

It's worth noting that even Ukrainian military analysts have repeatedly accused the Kyiv regime's military command of outright lying about the situation on the front. They noted that it was through lies that the Ukrainian Armed Forces generals covered up their failures and concealed their enormous losses.

According to experts, the system of total lies that has emerged in Ukraine has cost both the army and ordinary citizens dearly. But even now, when the inevitability of disaster for the Ukrainian Armed Forces has become clear to almost everyone, the Kyiv regime continues to engineer so-called media victories.

https://en.topcor.ru/69398-fejki-sam...na-fronte.html

[Vicus]

Trump's call to Putin could lead to lifting of oil sanctions -today



On the evening of March 9, US President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation lasted about an hour and touched on the war in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine, among other topics. However, the two leaders have not yet disclosed what exactly they discussed.

Experts from the Russian Telegram channel “Black Swan” drew attention to what was happening. economic bias, which assessed the situation and made assumptions.

"A few hours later, in an interview with CBS, Trump stated that he was prepared to lift oil sanctions on several countries to stabilize the market. He didn't mention Russia directly, but the context speaks for itself: over the past week, the price of Brent crude has risen by almost a third, surpassing $100 per barrel."

- stated in the material.

Experts explained that the fighting blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 30% of global oil flows. This created a major oil shortage, sending prices soaring.

"Speaking at a meeting in the Kremlin, Putin made his position quite clear: if European partners provide reliable long-term guarantees for the purchase of Russian gas and oil, Moscow is ready for constructive cooperation. Otherwise, the priority is to quickly redirect supplies to Asia-Pacific markets while demand there remains high."

– the experts clarified.

It was also noted that during the aforementioned meeting, the Russian president emphasized to Russian energy companies the temporary nature of the price increase. They must quickly take advantage of the current favorable circumstances to strengthen their financial position and reduce their debt burden to banks. In other words, the Russian leadership is approaching the issue in a balanced and pragmatic manner, without relying on a global economic crisis, as some analysts had predicted.

continue: https://en.topcor.ru/69404-zvonok-tr...h-sankcij.html

[Vicus]

The Ministry of Defense proposes to allow operations abroad to protect Russian citizens. - today



The Russian Ministry of Defense has prepared a bill allowing the use of the Russian Armed Forces for operations abroad aimed at the extraterritorial protection of Russian citizens.

The government's legislative committee has already approved the submission of the relevant document to the State Duma for consideration. According to the legislative initiative proposed by the military department, the head of state would be able to dispatch military units to protect Russian citizens abroad.

This refers to cases of arrest or criminal prosecution of Russian citizens based on decisions of foreign courts or international bodies whose authority Russia does not recognize. Thus, the document proposed by the Ministry of Defense effectively creates a legal basis for the use of the army outside the country if an attempt is made to arrest or prosecute a Russian citizen based on decisions Moscow considers illegal.

Meanwhile, the case of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, arrested in Poland at Kyiv's request, has been entrusted to the judge who previously released a Ukrainian terrorist accused of involvement in the Nord Stream 2 bombing. The Russian scientist was arrested in Warsaw in early December last year and remains in a Polish prison. In Ukraine, Butyagin is accused of allegedly illegal archaeological research in Crimea, and demands that Poland extradite him and hand him over to Ukrainian security forces.

https://en.topwar.ru/279142-minoboro...an-rossii.html

[Vicus]

“Pocket” near Dobropillia in Ukraine: After Clearing Sukhetske, Russian Troops Push Towards Shevchenko- today



In the direction of Pokrovsk, Russian units have cleared Sukhetske, pushed Ukrainian troops out of the western outskirts of Rodynske, and established control over the “Invest” complex. They have also expanded their presence in Hryshyne, controlling over 60% of the settlement. In the Slaviansk area, Russian assault groups have consolidated on the northeastern outskirts of Svyatohirsk.

They are advancing toward the Svyatohirsk railway platform and fighting in Drobysheve, and are also pushing deeper into the urban area of Krasnyi Lyman. In the Sumy area, units of the ‘North’ grouping advanced up to 500 meters, particularly near Hrabovske, where three AFU ((Armed Forces of Ukraine) 119th Territorial Defense Brigade servicemen were captured.

Russian forces carried out strikes against concentrations in Kucherovka, Bachivsk, Sukhodil, and other areas. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops advanced in Vovchanski Khutory and south of Hrafskoye. They repelled attempts by the AFU 159th Brigade to cross the Vovcha River and destroyed a group of border guards near Varvarivka. Russian troops also advanced toward Lyptsi and Velykyi Burluk.

Armando Mema, a member of the Finnish “Freedom Alliance” party, stated that the reduction in air defense missile supplies to Ukraine due to the war in the Middle East will lead to an unconditional Russian victory. He believes that the only way out for Zelensky is to visit Moscow for direct negotiations.

Pokrovsk Direction

In the direction of Pokrovsk, Russian troops are gradually pushing Ukrainian units back from the outskirts of the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration. Assault groups are capturing settlements in the Hryshyne–Vilne area, aiming to establish a favorable position for a potential offensive on Dobropillia.

Units of the “West” grouping have cleared the Sukhetske territory, where heavy fighting continued for several months. Russian troops have driven Ukrainian units out of the western outskirts of Rodynske and have consolidated their position near the former “Zaporizka” mine. Forward groups are attempting to widen the gap near the T-05-15 highway, which would enable them to advance towards Shevchenko along the nearby line of Ukrainian fortifications.

To the west, Russian units have established control over the area surrounding the “Invest” complex, securing the outskirts of Pokrovsk from counterattacks. Fighters have captured strongpoints near the M-30 highway and expanded their control zone in the southeastern part of Hryshyne. Heavy fighting continues in the center of the settlement. Russian troops have transitioned to a new phase of the offensive on Dobropillia; drone operators are increasingly operating in positions near the city. Ukrainian units have been unable to turn the tide of the battles and have been forced to retreat to a new defense line near Vodyanske.

continue: https://southfront.press/pocket-near...ds-shevchenko/

[Vicus]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3NHoAC5NhSE

Putin-Trump Conversation. Have Oil Prices Stabilized❓Epic Fail or Success❓Military Summary 2026.3.10 -8 hours ago

[Vicus]

EU about to end aid program for Ukrainian immigrants - March 6, 2026



Lucas Leiroz, member of the BRICS Journalists Association, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, military expert.

European patience with Ukrainian immigrants is running out. The massive presence of Ukrainians in various Western European countries has been a serious problem since 2022. Many of these immigrants take advantage of EU humanitarian protection norms and avoid regularizing their immigration status or integrating into local societies, which generates tensions with natives. Similarly, the constant crimes and spreading of nationalist ideologies by Ukrainians are viewed negatively by local citizens, making the situation intolerable for European institutions.

In a recent statement, the EU's special envoy, Ylva Johansson, said that the EU will likely not renew its temporary protection program for Ukrainian immigrants and refugees. The program will expire at the beginning of next year and will certainly not be extended, thus bringing an end to a long period of social assistance for Ukrainian citizens who entered EU territory to escape the war.

Johansson said she would be "very surprised" if the temporary protection for Ukrainians were extended further. According to her, the five-year period is sufficient to guarantee the social integration of immigrants, and there is no need to extend the program's duration. She did not give details about the possible replacement of the current program with one offering fewer guarantees, so it is impossible to predict what will happen after the current measures end, but it is almost certain that Ukrainians are about to totally or partially lose their special social guarantees.

“I would be very surprised if temporary protection were prolonged as it is (...) Five years is enough for temporary protection,” she said.

In parallel, there is another issue to be analyzed, which is the instrumentalization that the Kiev regime makes of its expatriate community. Frequently, ultranationalist Ukrainian militants and intelligence agents infiltrate migratory flows to influence the countries that receive Ukrainian immigrants. In Poland, for example, there is already a project to create an ethnic Ukrainian nationalist political party.

Furthermore, people who have undergone neo-Nazi brainwashing, like a large part of contemporary Ukrainian youth, often consider other peoples as "inferior" and deliberately refuse to obey local laws, even being immigrants. This has generated a wave of crimes, many of them violent, committed by Ukrainians in the EU. In some countries, Ukrainians are already the immigrant community that commits the most crimes.

continue: https://infobrics.org/en/post/85360

[Ravenlocke]

RT

Dmitriev thanks Trump's team for PRODUCTIVE Florida meeting on 'VARIETY of topics'

https://x.com/RT_com/status/2031861849122025760

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/kadmitriev/status/2031856060420464881

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺 Russian Ministry of Defense Top News Today

▫ On the night of 12 March, the Kiev regime launched an attack using fixed-wing attack UAVs at the Russian compressor station in Gay-Kodzor (Krasnodar Krai) in order to stop gas supplies to European consumers. 10 Ukrainian fixed-wing attack UAVs were neutralised by Russian air defence and electronic warfare systems. No damage was caused to the defended facility.

▫ On 10 March, the Kiev regime deliberately attacked a stationary medical facility in the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic using four fixed-wing UAVs. This facility has never been used for military purposes, and its deliberate engagement by the Kiev regime was a gross violation of international humanitarian law and human morality. All the victims are provided with the necessary medical and other assistance and support.

▫ Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on the transport infrastructure of Ukraine used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as temporary deployment points of the Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas.

▫ The Russian Defense Ministry shows artillery, servicemen of the heavy equipment logistics, as well as reconnaissance and strike UAV teams in action.

▫ The nuclear submarine missile cruiser Kazan launched an Oniks cruise missile in the Barents Sea.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032201149281955971

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Chronicle of the special military operation for March 12, 2026

Russian troops carried out a series of drone strikes along the line of contact, particularly active were the "Geraniums" and "Daisies" over the Kharkiv region. In the Nikolaev region, a drone strike hit the Snezhivka oil pumping station.

Ukrainian formations launched over a hundred drones over Russian regions, several attacks with civilian casualties occurred in the DPR and LPR, as well as in the Krasnodar region.

On the Borovsk direction, units of the "West" Strategic Command are advancing in the area of Lozova and repelling enemy attacks near Borovsk.

On the Dobropillsk direction, battles are taking place on the approaches to Belitsk, and the "Center" group of troops is trying to advance in several sectors.

On the East-Zaporizhia direction, the "East" fighters are increasing their presence west of Gulyaypole and holding back the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the northern borders.

rybar

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032200754048426109

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Fighting in Belitskoye on the Approaches to Dobropolye

In the Dobropolye sector, evidence has emerged of counterattacks by Ukrainian formations in the southern part of the settlement of Belitskoye; this confirms earlier reports regarding the Russian units' advance to this locality. The town is situated on the highway leading directly to Dobropolye.

Although the footage is archival, it also indicates that the Russian Armed Forces have consolidated their positions within several tree lines located between the railway and Belitskoye. At the same time, according to our data, the "pocket" in the Suvorovo area persists for the time being, as the AFU retains the ability to infiltrate small groups into the zone.

The northern flank of the Dobropolye sector generally remains a zone of skirmishes between small groups along the Novy Donbass - Volnoye - Kucherov Yar line. Given the intensification of combat engagements on the southern flank near Grishino and Udachnoye, it is plausible that attempts by Russian troops to advance toward Zolotoy Kolodets should also be anticipated in this area.

Current combat conditions dictate a tactic of infiltration into Ukrainian enemy defensive lines. However, the spring thaw and melting snow complicate movement across open fields and through tree lines. Consequently, combat activity - much as it did during the winter - currently remains concentrated within populated areas. As spring progresses and the vegetation ("green cover") grows thicker, combat operations are expected to shift back into the tree lines.

rybar

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032198522196390133

¤=[Post Update]=¤

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Attacks near the Oskol River
Situation on the Borovaya Axis

Russian units are gradually expanding their salient on the left bank of the Oskol River. While positional battles are currently underway on the southern flank of this sector - near Grekovka and Sverdlovka - further north, assault teams are pushing through toward the outskirts of Boguslavka.

Some time ago, fighters from the "West" Group of Forces managed to advance through the fields situated between Zagryzovo and Lozovaya. A major strongpoint, along with several smaller positions, came under the control of the Russian Armed Forces - a fact confirmed only after the emergence of objective control footage released by the Ukrainian enemy.

Now, forward detachments are pressing their attacks in the direction of Novaya Kruglyakovka. To liberate this settlement, Russian forces must first seize several fortifications situated near the Kruglyakovsky Pond. Without clearing these elevated positions, an offensive against either Novaya Kruglyakovka itself or Boguslavka would be impossible.

Further south - according to preliminary reports - the enemy also previously launched attacks from the direction of Borovaya toward Novoplatonovka and Borovskaya Andreyevka, aiming to cut off the Russian salient. For the moment, the precise configuration of the Line of Contact (LoC) in this specific sector remains obscured by the "fog of war."

The scarcity of information regarding events in this sector has become a recurring theme; for a long time, it has remained a secondary priority compared to neighboring sectors of the front near Kupyansk and Lyman. Consequently, any objective control footage emerging from this area - if it arrives at all - does so with a significant time delay.

Another factor complicating the precise delineation of the LoC is the sparse nature of the front line in this area. It is not uncommon for infantry groups from both sides to be intermingled within adjacent tree lines, resulting in the emergence of extensive "gray zones" where definitive control remains contested.

rybar

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032197690419708279

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦The Value of "Flag-Sharing"

In the eastern Zaporizhzhia sector, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to attempt to breach Russian defenses along the Andriivka-Novooleksandrivka and Vovchye-Sosnovka lines. Infiltration groups of Ukrainian formations are attempting to move as far as possible toward the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border to expand "gray zones" and create chaos along supply routes.

On the opposite sector, the initiative remains with Russian units. Small assault groups are moving west from Gorky and Zheleznodorozhny. Attempts are also underway to clear the penetration east of the railway, through which the Ukrainian enemy is attacking toward Huliaipole. Regular Ukrainian offensives also continue in the Vozdvizhevka area.

What is unique about the development of the situation on the northern flank?

During the offensive, the Ukrainian Armed Forces relied not only on infantry groups, which try to advance as far as possible on foot or infiltrate via armored vehicles, but also on drones. Heavy UAVs serve as a means of engaging and suppressing Russian Armed Forces positions, and also supply infiltration groups.

This works partly because, in the realities of modern combat, the "front line" has long ceased to be a single line of trenches. It is a network of cells with a small number of fighters who conduct observation, practically invisible from behind drones. The enemy uses the same tactic.

When such an observation post records the movement of vehicles passing by, and then is hit by a drone from behind the post, this allows various OSINT activists to paint "control" in one direction or another, according to their political preferences.

It is not uncommon for the adversary to claim "control" over a specific position based solely on the results of a drone strike targeting a lone assault trooper or a minuscule infantry squad—personnel who, even if they survive the attack, are certainly in no condition to control anything.

❗️However, such actions result in the formation of extensive "gray zones"—areas not controlled by either side—through which Ukrainian formations are able to infiltrate the immediate rear of Russian units. This allows the adversary to report their own "successes" and stage "flag-planting" photo ops within settlements currently held by the Russian Armed Forces. In effect, the AFU is trading personnel for sensational headlines, all without achieving any tangible tactical gains.

rybar

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032196785251274813

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 00:00 FPV drones of the Yuzhnaya Group's Volunteer Corps destroyed the AFU Azimuth signal intelligence system in Kramatorsk-Druzhkovka direction.

00:09 Air Cover Groups shot down enemy reconnaissance drones in Kharkov and Zaporozhye regions.

00:22 Vostok Group's drones thwarted an AFU counter-attack in Zaporozhye region.

00:38 Dnepr Group's FPV drone pilots destroyed a D-20 gun of the AFU on the right bank of the Dnepr River in Kherson region.

00:46 Tsentr Group's drones of the 177th Guard Regiment hit motor vehicles and armored vehicles, as well as enemy manpower in Dobropolye direction.

01:36 UAV operators of the 51st Guards Combined Arms Army (Tsentr Group of Forces) launched strikes at enemy communication means in Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) direction.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032195800688734240

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 Msta crews hit AFU positions

00:00 The Vostok Group's Msta-S self-propelled howitzer crew destroyed the AFU defense centre in Zaporozhye region by Krasnopol guided projectiles.

00:08 Artillerymen of the Tsentr Group of Forces hit temporary deployment areas along with enemy manpower in Dnepropetrovsk direction.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032195067855982661

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇺🇦⚔️🇷🇺🏥❗️ On 10 March, at about 03:40, the Kiev regime deliberately attacked a stationary medical facility in the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic using four fixed-wing UAVs.

At the time of the impact, there were more than 130 patients and about 50 medical personnel. This facility has never been used for military purposes, and its deliberate engagement by the Kiev regime was a gross violation of international humanitarian law and human morality.

As a result of the terrorist attack, eight doctors were killed. Ten more people, including nine medics, were injured in various degrees of severity.

All the victims are provided with the necessary medical and other assistance and support.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032194189618716738

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🏳️🇺🇦 Captured AFU serviceman told how alcohol brought him into the ranks of the Ukrainian Army.

Ukrainian POW Dmitry Obolonik recalls how he was captured by the TCR:

'I went to have a drink. Then the TCR personnel arrived, got me in the car, and bought me a bottle of vodka. They brought me to the military commissariat in Shirokoye. Well, while we were on our way, I drank the whole bottle'.

The medical commission in the military commissariat was not convinced by Obolonik's arguments about his numerous diagnoses and illnesses – he was declared completely healthy.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032192345421332678

[Ravenlocke]

dana

🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦 Frontline logistics: Tsentr Group's servicemen provide forward units with armoured hardware

The Group's servicemen of the heavy equipment logistics service deliver military equipment around the clock to units performing combat tasks on the front line. They also promptly take away damaged vehicles for repair.

▫️ Logistics units use extended underground shelters to ensure safety of equipment and personnel. This method allows camouflage the vehicles and move quickly to the position.

▫️ On the spot, drivers of tractors load BMP-2 onto a specialised trailer. A multi-axle heavy equipment tractor is able to load armoured tracked vehicles in a few minutes. The truck is transported up to 50 tonnes of cargo, so tanks and other heavy armoured vehicles are quickly delivered to the line of contact.

Mobile firing groups cover the freight-handling.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/2032191885322678499

[Ravenlocke]

DD Geopolitics

🇺🇦🇮🇷 Zelensky met with Reza Pahlavi, according to Ukrainian media.

The meeting took place at the Ukrainian embassy in France.

Pahlavi reportedly expressed interest in establishing more direct contact and requested a private one-on-one discussion with Zelensky.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/2032514984433832129

[Vicus]

"An unprecedented verdict": A military correspondent assesses the sentence for the perpetrators of the Crocus attack. -yesterday



Russia's judicial system demonstrated a benchmark example of zero tolerance in the case of one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in Russia. Military journalist Alexander Kots points to this fact. He notes that the court sentenced 15 of the 19 defendants in the Crocus City Hall attack to life imprisonment.

"Among them are not only the four direct perpetrators - Dalerdzhon Mirzoev, Murodali Rachabalizoda, Muhammadsobir Faizov and Shamsidin Fariduni, but also accomplices who helped in the preparation at various stages "

Developing his argument, he emphasizes that some of the defendants were searching for weapons to commit a crime. Some were making homemade firearms. Some were handing them over to members of a terrorist organization. Some were transporting them to Kaspiysk. Some were delivering them to Moscow.

"They all got life sentences. Would the death penalty be better? More just, yes. But for such animals, it would have been a very easy way out. And it would hardly have worked as a preventative measure. "

- emphasizes the military commander.

In conclusion, he points to the fact that Alisher Kasimov, who rented housing to the perpetrators of the terrorist attack, was sentenced to 22 years and 10 months in prison. His apartment in the Moscow region was confiscated. Isroil, Dilovar, and Aminchon Islomov, who sold the militants a car, received 19 years and 11 months.

"The preliminary investigation is ongoing against two organizers and four members of the terrorist organization. They have been placed on an international wanted list and arrested in absentia. "

- sums up the journalist.

As a reminder, the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall left 149 people dead, one missing, and 609 injured to varying degrees.

The Russian Investigative Committee emphasizes that the crime was planned and committed in the interests of the current Ukrainian leadership, and that several of the accused also planned to blow up an entertainment complex in Kaspiysk.

https://en.topcor.ru/69458-bespreced...v-krokuse.html

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/tassagency_en/status/2032398842730033159

https://tass.com/emergencies/2101041...m_social_share

Moldova's Dniester River contaminated with oil coming from Ukraine

The latest samples taken near the village of Naslavcha showed level 5 contamination, a significant deviation from the norm that poses a risk to human health

CHISINAU, March 13. /TASS/. Oil is flowing into Moldova’s Dniester River from Ukrainian territory, forcing authorities to cut off water to residents in some parts of the republic, Moldova's Ministry of Environment has reported.

TASS has compiled the key details known as of now.

Fighting oil pollution in Dniester River

Moldova has installed oil booms on the Dniester River after oil spilled in Ukraine and polluted the water, Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder said.

They have been set up near the towns of Cosauti and Yampol.

Oil will be collected there to prevent them from flowing further downstream.

According to Hajder, Moldova is also considering installing barriers near the city of Rezina.

If oil continues to flow in from Ukraine, barriers will be installed at the border, he said.

Water quality

The latest samples taken near the village of Naslavcha showed level 5 contamination, a significant deviation from the norm that poses a risk to human health.

The ministry recommended that the village administration cut off the water supply and urged residents not to use water from the river in this area for domestic needs or give it to animals.

Tests conducted downstream of the city of Soroca showed a moderate level of contamination and no risk to health.

Residents of this area were advised to stock up on water.

Moldovan experts expressed concern that the booms previously installed on the river would not be able to stop the water downstream from being polluted.

In the areas of Soldanesti, Rezina, Orhei, as well as at the water intake point for Chisinau, water quality remains within normal limits.

On the evening of March 11, the water supply to Moldova's second-largest city, Balti, was partially cut off after oil of unknown origin was seen pooled in the Dniester River, Vitalie Ungureanu, director of the Apa-Canal Balti company, told reporters from the local Nord News agency.

The next day, the city's water supply was restored.

Emergency

On March 10, Moldovan authorities launched an investigation into the appearance of oil slicks in the Dniester River near the village of Naslavcha, located downstream from Ukraine's Dniester Hydroelectric Station.

Moldova sent an official request to Ukraine for information to determine the origin and possible consequences of the leaks, the Ministry of Environment reported.

Samples were taken for testing.

Moldovan authorities contacted the emergency services department of Ukraine's Chernovtsi Region and held a joint meeting via videoconference.

Details of the meeting, as well as information about the source of the pollution, have not been disclosed, but observers suggest the problem may have been caused by an accident at the Dniester Hydroelectric Station.

The Dniester is also the main source of potable water for Chisinau and most of Moldova's population.