On the early morning of June 6, 2023, a series of powerful explosions occurred at the Nova kokovka Dam in southern Ukraine. This dam, one of the largest in the country, was rocked by the explosions, which were captured by aerial drone footage. The dam held a reservoir with approximately 18 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to the volume of the Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA. The footage shows the water flooding through the blown-up dam and flowing downstream towards tens of thousands of civilians in their homes.
Shortly after the video was filmed, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dimitro Kuleba tweeted that Russia was responsible for the explosions, which he described as the greatest technological disaster in European history in decades. In contrast, the Russians blamed the Ukrainians for the dam’s destruction, although this is highly unlikely. The destruction of the dam resulted in a surge of water downstream along the Danipa River, putting tens of thousands of civilians at risk and causing damage to hundreds of thousands of homes that relied on the dam’s hydroelectric power.
The city of Hursan, with a pre-war population of nearly 300,000, sits downstream from the dam and was directly affected by the floodwaters. The destruction of the dam is also expected to have catastrophic consequences for Ukrainian agriculture and may impact Russia’s control over Crimea. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for a nuclear meltdown at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, located upstream from the dam.
The destruction of the Nova kokovka Dam and the subsequent flooding in Ukraine represent one of the most significant humanitarian and economic disasters in Europe this century. It marks a major escalation and turning point in the war between Ukraine and Russia, and its consequences will have a lasting impact on the country for years or even decades to come.
The Danipa River, running across the entire length of Ukraine, is a significant geographical feature for the country. It splits the country roughly in half and has been compared to the Mississippi River in the United States. The river’s headwaters rise in Russia and run through Belarus before reaching Ukraine and flowing into the Black Sea.
During the Soviet era, the Danipa River became known for its major hydroelectric dam projects and reservoirs. The Nova kokovka Dam, completed in 1956, was the southernmost dam along the river built by the Soviets. It played a crucial role in benefiting the local Ukrainian and Soviet economy.
The dam’s reservoir, along with a network of canals, transformed the previously arid and agricultural-unfriendly regions of southern Ukraine, including Crimea. These canals brought water to the region, enabling the development of large-scale agriculture and the establishment of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The north Crimean Canal, in particular, diverted water from the reservoir to the arid Crimean Peninsula, providing crucial irrigation for agricultural activities.
In 2014, Russia invaded and occupied Crimea, prompting Ukraine to retaliate by blocking the north Crimean Canal and cutting off water supply to the peninsula. This move placed significant pressure on Russia to provide water to Crimea’s residents and support its agriculture and industry. In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aiming to secure control over the canal and ensure Crimea’s water supply.
The destruction of the Nova kokovka Dam is strategically significant for Russia. By flooding the Danipa River downstream of the dam, they have created a difficult obstacle for Ukrainian counter-offensive forces. The flooding restricts movements and crossings, making it challenging for Ukrainian troops to advance. Russia can now concentrate its forces along narrower sections of the front line and redeploy troops to areas more likely to be attacked.
The destruction of the dam carries humanitarian, economic, and military consequences. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate, and the city of Hursan has experienced significant flooding and damage to homes. The dam’s hydroelectric power station is likely damaged beyond repair, affecting electricity supply to hundreds of thousands of households. The agricultural economy of southern Ukraine, including Crimea, is at risk, as the canals that provided irrigation will run dry. The long-term effects will impact both Russian-occupied and Ukrainian-held territories.
The intentional destruction of the dam may be classified as a serious war crime under international law. The Geneva Conventions’ additional protocols specifically prohibit military attacks on dams, dikes, and nuclear power stations causing severe losses among the civilian population. While Russia revoked its ratification of these protocols in 2019, the destruction of the dam still violates the international consensus.
The consequences of the dam’s destruction will unfold over a long period, with humanitarian, economic, military, and legal implications for Ukraine and Europe. The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the devastating impact it has on the region.
