Dam in Kurakhove destroyed, raising stakes in Donetsk conflict
According to Ukrainian and Russian media, the dam of the Kurakhiv Reservoir was destroyed in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Water is reported to be flowing through the villages near the dam, according to the head of the military administration of the city of Kurakhove.
The Kurakhiv Reservoir is located on the Volchi River, 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, reported ASTRA. However, Russian propagandist media claim that the dam was destroyed by Ukrainian troops.
Information about the dam damage was confirmed by Roman Padun, the head of the military administration of Kurakhove. "We know that water is flowing through the villages near the dam. We cannot confirm the nature of the damage or its criticality. Due to ongoing shelling, we cannot inspect the dam," informed Padun.
The official also reported rising water levels along the Volchi River.
ASTRA reminds us that Kurakhove and the villages located below the Volchi River in the floodplain area are controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the situation has become increasingly disadvantageous for the Ukrainians in recent days, with the Russians gradually taking control of the area.
"Kurakhove is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian military. The Russian army is encircling the city. The loss of Kurakhove would effectively end the resistance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in southern Donbas," emphasizes the Russian independent portal Meduza.
