Kurakhiv reservoir dam destruction heightens regional tensions
In the Donetsk region of Ukraine, the dam of the Kurakhiv Reservoir has been blown up, according to reports from both Ukrainian and Russian media. Water is currently flowing through the villages near the dam, stated the head of the military administration of the city of Kurakhiv.
The Kurakhiv Reservoir is located on the Volchi River, which is a left tributary of the Samara.
According to the Donbass News portal, which cited a source in the rescue services, the dam was destroyed as a result of morning shelling from Russia, reports ASTRA. Russian propagandist media, however, claim that the dam was destroyed by Ukrainian troops.
Information about the dam damage was confirmed by the head of the military administration of the city of Kurakhove, Roman Padun. "We know that water is flowing through the villages near the dam. We cannot confirm the nature of the damage or its severity. Due to ongoing shelling, we cannot inspect the dam," informed Padun.
The official also reported rising water levels along the Volchi River.
Kurakhove, as well as the villages located downstream in the floodplain area along the Volchi River, is controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reminds ASTRA. However, the situation has been deteriorating for the Ukrainians in recent days, with the Russians increasingly gaining control of the territory.
"Kurakhove is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian military. The Russian army is encircling the city. The loss of Kurakhove will effectively end the resistance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in southern Donbas," emphasises the Russian independent portal Meduza.
