In southern Ukraine, a major dam held by Russia was targeted in an attack on Tuesday, causing a deluge of water that flooded twenty-four villages and necessitated the evacuation of 17,000 people.
The incident has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian disaster. As Moscow and Kyiv exchange accusations, Washington has warned of a high likelihood of casualties resulting from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which is situated on the frontline and supplies cooling water to Europe’s largest nuclear plant.
Ukrainian authorities assert that the dam’s destruction, which occurred during the early stages of the war and was seized by Russia, was an attempt by Moscow to hinder Ukraine’s anticipated offensive, emphasising that their plans remain unaffected. In response to the gravity of the situation, a UN Security Council emergency meeting has been scheduled following requests from Russia and Ukraine.