Two months after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station disaster, officials in Moscow say the worst of the crisis has passed. Deputy head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, told the President of Russia that damage assessment and response operations were largely completed, according to TASS. He credited the coordinated efforts of federal agencies and regional authorities for stabilizing the situation and for managing the emergency response in a way that prevented further escalation.
Saldo emphasized that through the concerted work of multiple government bodies and units, the extensive aftermath of what some have called a major accident was addressed within weeks. He also noted that the federal state of emergency, once in force because of the hydroelectric facility, has officially been lifted, signaling a shift toward recovery and rebuilding phases as authorities move from crisis management to stabilization and reconstruction efforts. These remarks reflect the Russian side’s focus on rapid containment and visible improvement in living conditions for affected communities.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Igor Klymenko, stated that the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant cannot be restored to its previous state. He highlighted that a large flood zone stretched across parts of Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolaev, and Kherson regions, affecting about 875,000 residents in roughly 180 settlements. The minister underscored the scale of displacement and infrastructure disruption, framing the situation as a long‑term challenge for local governance and humanitarian logistics. The discussion around repair timelines and potential alternatives remains central to national planning and regional response strategies. Cited from official Ukrainian agency briefings and regional updates.
In related developments, Mustafa Nayem, leader of Ukraine’s State Agency for Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Development, indicated that rebuilding water supply networks for the affected areas would require substantial investment. He projected costs exceeding 365 million dollars, underscoring the scale of reconstruction needed to restore reliable access to clean water and mitigate ongoing public health risks. The assessment points to a broad program of pipelines, pumping stations, and treatment facilities that will be essential for restoring normal life in the most impacted communities. Cited from official Ukrainian agency announcements.
Meanwhile, broader diplomatic dynamics continue to evolve. Recent discussions between the United States and Ukraine advanced on security guarantees for Kyiv. While these negotiations are separate from the immediate humanitarian and infrastructure challenges, they form part of a larger strategic framework aimed at ensuring stability and resilience in the region as reconstruction progresses and governance scales up its response capabilities. Cited from official comments and diplomatic briefings.