Ukraine: Destruction of Kakhovka dam prompts ‘ecocide’ investigation

Early Tuesday morning, the Kakhovka dam and electric plant in Kherson, Ukraine, was destroyed, flooding the surrounding area. The dam was under Russian control, and Kremlin officials have accused the Ukrainian military of sabotage. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities blame Russia for the catastrophe. As residents in the affected areas evacuate, problems are expected downstream. Kakhovka not only provides drinking water and irrigation but also plays a crucial role in cooling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the north. Ukrainian law enforcement is reportedly investigating the incident as a potential case of “ecocide,” given the potential for widespread damage to natural habitats.

Video transcript

- Early Tuesday morning, the Kakhovka Dam and electrical plant in Southern Ukraine was destroyed, releasing floodwaters into the surrounding areas.

- The concrete pad of the dam in the [INAUDIBLE] that's the big breach here, and the second smaller breach here in the power plant.

- At the time, the dam was under Russian control, and Kremlin officials have accused the Ukrainian military of sabotage, while Ukrainian authorities blame Russia for the breach.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: [SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]

- As residents in the affected areas evacuate, larger problems potentially await downstream.

ANTONIO GUTERRES: Environmental devastation, destruction of newly planted crops, and there is threats to the highly threatened Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

- Prosecutors in Ukraine have said they are currently investigating the incident as a case of ecocide, defined as, quote, "mass destruction of flora and fauna, poisoning of air or water resources, and any other actions that may cause environmental disaster."