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Floods hit the Russian-controlled Kherson region after a dam burst. Photo/@aakherson/Telegram
BRUSSELS – European Council President Charles Michel declared the attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in Russia’s Kherson Region qualifies as a war crime.
The official went on to insist Russia was responsible for the incident.
“Shocked by the unprecedented Nova Kakhovka dam attack,” Michel wrote on Twitter on Tuesday (6/6/2023).
He stated, “The destruction of civilian infrastructure clearly qualifies as a war crime, we will hold Russia and its proxies accountable.”
Michel said he would raise the issue at the European Council meeting in June and would propose more aid to flooded areas.
The power plant, located upstream of the Dnieper River from the city of Kherson, was badly damaged early Tuesday.
Novaya Kakhovka Mayor Vladimir Leontyev claimed the top of the dam and its sluice had been destroyed in a series of attacks overnight by Ukrainian forces.
“The damage has led to the release of an uncontrolled flow of water which is now threatening to flood up to 80 settlements in the region,” Leontyev said.
He added that some areas do not have electricity. He also warned of problems with the water supply to the Crimean Peninsula.
