Damage from Kakhovka dam breach same as from atomic bomb – MEP

This was stated by Member of the Eurean Parliament Via von Kramon, who spoke at the United for Justice. United for Nature forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Referring to the incident as an act of terrorism, the MEP pointed to its extremely disastrous effect, stressing long-term damage.

According to the MEP, by blowing up the dam, the Russians raised the war to a historically high level.

She recalled that a seismic station detected an explosion inside the building so it was not a result of an external force, as claimed by Russian praganda. A few days later, when intelligence reports emerged, it was clear that the Russian “footprints” were evident, von Kramon said.

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She also pointed to the Russians massively destroying Ukrainian forests, chemical and industrial enterprises, and planted mines across vast territories.

The MEP emphasized that during the reconstruction of Ukraine, the ecogical, humanitarian, and economic needs of the country should be considered in combination.

Against this background, von Kramon stated the need for clear institutional readiness on the part of the Ukrainian government. Environmental reforms can be used as a prerequisite for real recovery, she noted, adding that an environmental monitoring system is needed and that the government is taking steps toward drawing up environmental impact assessments, unlike it was previously.

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As reported, on the night of June 6, the Russian army blew up the Kakhovka HPP dam.

Environmentalists predict that the draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir caused by the dam breach may intensify the desertification (aridization) trends of southern Ukraine.

The Cabinet of Ministers and the UN estimate the amount of damage at more than $11 billion, while the greatest direct damage was inflicted on the energy and housing sectors.

Photo: Ministry of Agrarian Picy