Ukraine demands justice two years after Kakhovka dam destruction

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam caused the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe since World War II. The consequences affected nearly 80 populated areas: 1.6 million people were left without access to water, ecosystems were destroyed, soil and water were contaminated, and landmines were washed into the Black Sea.

The dam's destruction also led to the loss of 14 billion cubic meters of fresh water — enough to supply millions of people for over a year.

"Dam destruction is a war crime, and this act shows Russia's brutal tactics in its war against Ukraine. The consequences affect the whole region and will take years to repair. This was Russia's terrible crime against people and nature. It demands justice," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Destruction of the Kakhovka HPP

On June 6, 2023, Russian forces blew up the dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, triggering a major technological and environmental disaster.

The explosion also caused widespread flooding across several settlements in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

According to Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine's state hydropower company, the plant was completely destroyed and is beyond repair.

In addition, following the flooding caused by the dam's destruction on Russian-occupied territory, at least hundreds of people were killed.

The CEO of Ukrhydroenergo, Ihor Syrota, stated that back in September 2022, Ukraine was aware that Russia was planning to mine and blow up the Kakhovka HPP. However, at the time, no one believed that Russian forces would destroy the entire facility.