Authorities in Ukraine report that Russian troops may have breached a dam about 60 kilometers from the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant on the Dnieper River, near the city of Kherson. The Ukrainian Southern Command said the infrastructure was damaged and said it was assessing the scope of the impact, including how quickly and how much water would flow toward potential flood zones.
In Moscow, officials attributed the dam’s collapse to damage and warned that nearby areas were being flooded. A Russian source told TASS that the dam could not hold, a support gave way, and flooding began after a night of relative calm.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian forces, who have controlled the structure since the invasion began, of placing mines on the facilities months earlier to hinder the advancing invasion, a move that could trigger significant flooding in nearby settlements.
Russian emergency services also criticized Ukraine’s missile attacks on the press, though officials said the latest strike did not cause serious damage to the dam or surrounding infrastructure.
As officials on both sides exchange statements, the broader impact on the region remains a concern. Residents in affected areas are evaluating evacuation needs and potential disruptions to water supply, agriculture, and power resources. Local authorities emphasize the need for coordinated relief efforts and clear, accurate reporting to minimize confusion amid evolving conditions. Environmental and civil defense teams are monitoring water levels, strain on additional infrastructure, and the risk of downstream flooding that could affect towns, farms, and critical facilities along the Dnieper River corridor.