
In an accusation made on Tuesday, Ukraine claimed that Russian forces had demolished a significant dam in a region of southern Ukraine under their command. This prompted an urgent evacuation warning to inhabitants living downstream along the Dnipro River due to the potential flood risk.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry urged the inhabitants of ten riverside villages, situated on the right bank of the river, and certain sections of the city of Kherson to gather crucial paperwork and their pets, shut down household appliances, and depart. Additionally, the ministry warned residents to be wary of possible misinformation.
Oleksandr Prokudin, who is at the helm of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, announced in a video on Telegram just prior to 7 a.m., that "the Russian army has initiated another act of terror.” He cautioned that water levels are expected to reach a "critical" stage within a five-hour timeframe.
it appears it was incompentance management and as Russia was in control, by default Russia still caused the dam to fail, see article 'How Russia Destroyed the Kakhovka Dam' https://youtu.be/6z4rhBKTT5U
I don't think enough reporting has focused on the economic impact to Ukraine from the destruction of the dam. The economic impact to Ukraine will be long term and potentially catastrophic. They generate much of their tax revenue from the sale of crops irrigated by canals from the reservoir. With those canals going dry they will be unable to water those crops. That loss of that revenue to the government puts Ukraine in a difficult position of relying further on Western support not just for military equipment but for economic survival. This is another play by the Russians to wear down Ukraine & Western resolve while also displaying their ruthlessness and how far they're willing to go.
my Mothers side of my family are all proud Russian Americans. I grew up in that culture. So just wondering if now that it’s starting to look a lot like the Ukrainians sabotaged the dam, will there be any apology from combat vet news for accusing “Russians” not even the Russian Government, but Russians of committing a horrible crime against humanity ? Maybe we should wait on the facts before assigning blame… both opponents here are guilty of atrocities.
There is now data that is showing that they stored water to record hights by closing the gates before blowing it up to maximize the flooding.
That might be also very tactical move from Ukraine:
1. Crimea will be without water - for years, if not forever
2. Southeast Ukraine will have water problems too - no stolen grain this year
3. Russia occupied territory will not have hydroelectric power
4. Russia occupied territory will not have nuclear power (not enough water to cool down)
5. Russia's defensive positions under the dam are flooded
6. Impassable lake over the dam will now be passable - and with subpar Russian defense
That said, I'm not saying it's the Ukrainian action, but it will definitely unlock that stalemate on the front.