Denis Pushilin, acting leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic, has raised concerns that Ukraine could target the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant, amid fears that Russia might respond with military action. This view was conveyed by DEA News.
According to Ukrainian leadership, Kyiv assessing the broader impact of any potential damage to the Kakhovka facility believes that Kyiv’s losses could be smaller than the consequences for the Russian side, which would bear heavier burdens in economic and humanitarian terms.
Pushilin suggested that to counter possible offensive moves by Ukrainian forces, the Russian side might intensify its own measures in other sectors of the front, thereby signaling a broader strategic response. He pointed to what he described as a noticeable uptick in Ukrainian military activity in recent days as evidence of this dynamic.
On June 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the destruction of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station as a barbaric act that triggered a serious environmental and humanitarian disaster. These remarks framed the incident as a grave violation with wide-reaching repercussions for civilian populations and regional stability. [Citation: Kremlin Communications Office]
Earlier, during the night of June 6, the upper structure of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric plant in the Kherson region near Novaya Kakhovka was razed, leading to the flooding of numerous settlements. The floodwaters began affecting cities including Kherson and New Kakhovka, displacing residents and disrupting critical infrastructure. Local authorities and humanitarian agencies reported the rapid spread of water across low-lying areas, challenging emergency response efforts and complicating access to essential services. [Citation: Regional Emergency Services]