During the Coordination Meeting on the liquidation of consequences of the blowing up of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ruslan Strilets reported to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the environmental consequences and challenges Ukraine would face due to the loss of ecosystems.
"This is the biggest environmental disaster since Chornobyl. Every second, about 40,000 cubic metres of water flows out of the Kakhovka reservoir. Ukraine has already lost 6.5 cubic kilometres. We are in talks with the OSCE and UNEP about the work of their experts. We need a clear understanding of how this act of 'desperation' by the russians will change the environment and how we can restore nature where possible," said Ruslan Strilets.
He discussed the current state of affairs with representatives of the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine and the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine. Employees of the industry are involved in monitoring the environment in the affected areas 24/7. Under fire, environmental inspectors continue to record and calculate environmental damage. So far, the concentration of oil products in the water has exceeded several times, but the downward trend continues.
Ruslan Strilets, together with the President and colleagues, inspected the Main Pumping Station of the Ingulets River Canal Authority, which had been flooded due to the dam's destruction, and discussed the supply of drinking water to the affected regions and the state of water infrastructure. This unique station used to supply water for irrigation in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Today, all of it is under water.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources also joined the Headquarters for the liquidation of the consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam in Snihurivka, Mykolaiv region, headed by the Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. They discussed the current situation regarding the environmental impact of the russian attack on the hydroelectric power station. Irreparable changes in ecosystems, a reduction in biodiversity, and new climate challenges are the consequences of the disaster that will affect all areas of life.
The Minister thanked all environmental workers for their dedicated work in these difficult times.