The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, organised by the russian occupiers, can be described as one of the biggest man-made disasters in Europe in recent decades. As a result of another crime of the russian federation, 80 settlements could be flooded, part of the flora and fauna of the Kherson region could be wiped out, several million people could be left without drinking water, food security could be threatened and other catastrophic consequences could occur.

“Today, russia has once again proved to the whole world that it is a terrorist state, as the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant will entail environmental and economic consequences, as well as pose a great threat to radiation and food safety. The cost of building a new hydroelectric power plant could be around USD 1 billion, as it involves not only installing new hydroelectric units, but also restoring the integrity of a huge dam. It will take at least five years to restore the dam alone, and the cumulative effect of the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the explosion will only increase,” commented Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Ukraine warned the international community of the risk of a tragedy in the autumn of 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally informed the European Council and called for an international monitoring mission to be sent to the site. We have no doubt that the disaster was caused by russia in order to hinder Ukraine’s counter-offensive and inflict maximum damage on Ukraine.

“The international community must take the toughest possible action against russia. Ukraine now needs help as quickly as possible to minimise and eliminate the consequences of the explosion in the interests of humanity as a whole. First and foremost, we are talking about dismantling and rebuilding the entire new hydroelectric complex from scratch. According to preliminary estimates by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and the State Environmental Inspectorate, water resources have been damaged to the tune of UAH 2 billion. The amount will only increase,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

A headquarters for the liquidation of the consequences of russia’s blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has already been set up, headed by Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko.

The Government has allocated UAH 120 million to the State Agency of Water Resources for the sustainable supply of drinking water to the residents of Mykolaiv and UAH 845 million for the supply of drinking water to the residents of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Dnipro regions. UAH 1.5 billion has also been allocated for the construction of new water mains. This will provide drinking water to Kryvyi Rih, Nikopol and Marhanets. The regions have been provided with specialised equipment for water supply and post-treatment systems.