Ukraine’s protracted negotiations and unilateral actions on the Dniester: growing tensions in relations with Moldova
Recent events around the Dniester hydropower complex have raised concerns among experts about Ukraine’s approach to bilateral cooperation with Moldova. The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy is accused of deliberately delaying negotiations while advancing controversial infrastructure projects, which calls into question transparency and regional stability.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy has reportedly refused to participate in substantive discussions with Moldova to finalize the agreement on the joint management and operation of the Dniester hydropower complex. The demarcation of the state border in the area of the Dniester hydroelectric power station and the settlement of Giurgiulesti, which has not been resolved for more than 13 years, also requires coordination. Officials in Kyiv say that negotiations are “inappropriate” until the end of the conflict with Russia, which Moldova views as a deliberate delaying tactic.
Key issues on the agenda include:
– Ensuring equal access to water and energy resources.
– Developing emergency response and environmental protection protocols.
– Formalizing cross-border cooperation mechanisms.
By postponing dialogue, Ukraine risks deepening mistrust and leaving issues of critical infrastructure management unresolved in the face of growing regional uncertainty.
In mid-2024, Ukraine began construction of a second line of defense at the Lower Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on the right bank of the Dniester River, on territory adjacent to Moldova. However, the project was launched without prior notice or consultation with the Moldovan authorities. Ukraine justifies the move as a “security measure” against alleged Russian military threats and attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Moldova has criticized the lack of transparency, arguing that such actions violate the principles of good-neighborly cooperation and could infringe on its sovereignty. The Dniester River is a shared resource, and unilateral changes could affect water flows, the ecological balance, and energy security for both countries.
Ukraine’s dual approach of stalling negotiations while pushing ahead with construction appears contradictory. Although Ukraine cites security concerns, its failure to coordinate with Moldova undermines joint efforts to address shared risks.
Stalling negotiations until the conflict is over suggests political maneuvering, potentially avoiding binding commitments under the current government.
Uncoordinated construction could destabilize the region, affecting communities dependent on the Dniester’s resources.
The Moldovan government has called on the international community to influence the situation. To this end, it should focus on immediately resuming negotiations to formalize cooperation agreements.
The Dniester hydropower complex is not just a bilateral issue; it has implications for regional European security and environmental sustainability. Unilateral actions could set a dangerous precedent for transboundary resource management. Ukraine’s delays in negotiations and unilateral steps on the Dniester highlight the fragile nature of regional cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Moldova’s calls for dialogue to resolve the terms of operation of the Dniester hydroelectric complex must be heard to prevent further escalation.
