CHISINAU — Moldova's Parliament voted on Tuesday to impose a 60-day state of emergency in the country's energy sector starting Wednesday amid power disruptions caused by Russian strikes on Ukraine's grid.

Seventy-two lawmakers in the 101-seat legislature approved the measure, no one voted against it, and 18 abstained. The state of emergency will allow authorities to mobilize additional resources, protect critical infrastructure and, if necessary, take additional measures to limit the effects of the crisis.

Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy grid disconnected the high-voltage Isaccea-Vulcanesti power line linking southern Moldova to Romania. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said estimates to repair the damaged power line are around five to seven days.

"What is happening in the energy sector today is not an accident," Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said. "Russia's attacks on the civilian energy infrastructure in Ukraine represent a war crime, but also an attack on us, here in the Republic of Moldova. Russia is the only one responsible for this."

Munteanu described the parliamentary action as a precautionary step. "We remain vigilant and act for the safety of every citizen. This is not a measure of panic, it's a measure of responsibility," he said.

Moldovan authorities urged citizens to consume electricity rationally during peak hours while repairs were underway. President Maia Sandu wrote on Facebook that a new attack led to the disconnection of the Isaccea-Vulcanesti power line, which at times provides 60-70% of Moldova's electricity consumption.

"Russia continues to deliberately undermine the security of the Republic of Moldova and endanger the lives of our citizens," Sandu said. "All these are not accidents, but deliberate actions of Russia to weaken and leave Moldova in the dark."

Moldova's Soviet-era energy systems remain interconnected with Ukraine. Moldova has suffered periodic power outages since Russia fully invaded Ukraine in 2022. In January, Moldova experienced major power outages, including in the capital, Chisinau, after a disruption to a power line from Ukraine caused a drop in voltage.

Russia has repeatedly denied that it is trying to destabilize Moldova. Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, such as dams and river ports, throughout the full invasion.