Crisis Unfolds: Kakhovka Dam Collapse Ignites Blame Game, Sparks Nuclear Plant Worries
Nova Kakhovka Dam Collapse in Russian-Occupied Southern Ukraine Sparks Severe Flooding and Heightens Tensions
The Nova Kakhovka Dam, a significant hydroelectric power plant located on the Dnipro River in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, collapsed on Tuesday, leading to a state of emergency marked by severe flooding. The incident has escalated tensions between the conflicting parties, with Ukraine accusing Russia of deliberately committing a war crime, in violation of the Geneva Conventions that prohibit the targeting of dams during wartime.
The flooding resulting from the dam collapse poses a serious threat to approximately 42,000 people residing in Russian and Ukrainian-controlled areas along the Dnipro River. On Tuesday, water levels surged by 3.5 meters in Kherson city, situated approximately 60 km downstream from the dam.
The ecological impact of the disaster is also evident, as the region’s flora and fauna have suffered significant losses. Officials from the Kazkova Dibrova zoo, located on the Russian-held riverbank, reported the unfortunate demise of all 300 animals, as shared on social media.
Furthermore, the dam played a crucial role in providing water to Russia-controlled Crimea.
On Wednesday, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths expressed concern, stating that the collapse would exacerbate the hardships faced by those already suffering due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the urgent need for ongoing humanitarian aid efforts.
During the Bucharest Nine summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directed accusations at Moscow, asserting that Russia has maintained control over the dam and the entire Kakhovka HPP for over a year. He highlighted the impossibility of external shelling causing the dam’s destruction and claimed that the Russian occupiers had mined and intentionally blown it up.
In response, Russia attributed the dam’s destruction to Ukraine, alleging that Kyiv demolished it to impede an attack. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Russian forces had successfully halted Ukraine’s counteroffensive, resulting in severe casualties among Ukrainian soldiers. He argued that the decision to demolish the dam was made to slow down the approaching Russian forces.
Despite the exchange of accusations, neither party has presented conclusive evidence of the other’s involvement.
The United States has refrained from taking sides in the dispute. However, the Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, expressed the view that it would be counterproductive for Ukraine to demolish the dam and endanger its own population.
The Nova Kakhovka Dam, situated on the Dnipro River, straddles the left bank controlled by Russia and the right bank controlled by Ukraine. The ongoing war has restricted access to international agencies, making it challenging to ascertain the true cause of the dam’s collapse.
