Prime Minister Dorin Recean condemned the blowing up of the dam in Nova Kakhovka on Tuesday morning. Ukraine accused Russia of committing an act of “ecocide” as this is a major dam and hydroelectric power plant in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine. The destruction of the dam prompted mass evacuations and fears for large-scale flooding, IPN reports.

President Maia Sandu also firmly condemned the destruction of the dam, saying that such actions by Russia against critical infrastructure are equal to war crimes. “We are ready to offer assistance in response to the floods and to support the efforts to alleviate the impact,” said President Sandu.

“We firmly condemn the destruction of the Nova Kakkhovka dam in Ukraine’s Kherson region, which endangers civilians and creates new challenges all over the region,” said Premier Recean. He also said that Moldova stands by Ukraine and is ready to offer the necessary assistance.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this is an act of terrorism committed by Russia. The Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of persons from the areas in danger of being flooded. In several hours, the water level rose by about 10 meters.