Russia is behind Kakhovka dam destruction, it was blown up by blast in tunnel – experts

Kakhovka HPP could have been caused by an explosion in the tunnel of the dam’s concrete foundation.

An explosion of an underwater passage most likely caused the catastrophe, the New York Times reported, citing expert opinions.

Explosion of underwater passage most likely caused the catastrophe – New York Times

This tunnel was the weakest point of the dam, located deep inside the HPP. Russia knew about this weakness and took advantage of it.

According to the journalists, the Russian invaders blew up the underwater concrete foundation, which took most of the load on the dam. Inside the base was a technical tunnel, accessible from the engine room, which was under the control of the Russian side.

Ukrainian engineer Ihor Strilets also believes that the only explanation for the destruction of the dam’s concrete foundation was an explosion in the tunnel.

According to the expert, the blast destroyed part of the foundation, after which other parts of the dam located near the explosion site collapsed under water pressure. Two American engineers and an explosives expert agree with the Ukrainian expert.

“If your goal is to destroy a dam, you need a powerful explosion. The tunnel is the perfect place to place the explosive”, – said Michael West, an engineer specialising in dam safety.

Seismic and satellite data confirm tunnel explosion version

Engineers cite seismic and satellite data as further evidence that an explosion destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. On June 6, at 2:35 and 2:54 a.m., seismic stations in Ukraine and Romania recorded the explosion.

Sensors of US reconnaissance satellites recorded thermal emissions before the dam collapsed, which also indicates a blast, the New York Times reports.

Collapse of Kakhovka HPP was “highly likely” caused by Russian-planted explosives – Reuters

The collapse of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine was “highly likely” caused by Russian-planted explosives, according to preliminary conclusions presented by a team of legal experts backing Ukraine’s prosecutors in their inquiry.

“The evidence and analysis of the available information – which includes seismic sensors and discussions with top demolition experts – indicates that there is a high probability the destruction was caused by pre-emplaced explosives positioned at critical points within the dam’s structure,” according to a summary of the initial findings seen by Reuters from the law firm’s team.

The discovery that the Kakhovka HPP was blown up with pre-placed explosives by the Russian side, according to senior lawyer Yousuf Syed Khan of Global Rights Compliance, “is an 80% and above determination.”

Conclusion is based on seismic sensors, open-source intelligence, and patterns of the attack

The conclusion is based “not only on seismic sensors, and one of the leading open-source intelligence providers, but also on patterns of the attack and other attacks that we have documented,” he explained in an interview. He cited prior attacks on essential water infrastructure, such as installations and pipelines.

Intentionally attacking a dam may constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law since dams are civilian infrastructure by definition unless there is a valid military aim, according to British Barrister Catriona Murdoch, who led the mobile justice team inquiry.

Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was under Russian invaders’ control

The massive Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, under Russian control since the February 24 invasion, was breached early on June 6, unleashing floodwater across southern Ukraine, destroying villages and farmland and cutting off water supplies to tens of thousands of people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cynically accused Ukraine of damaging the Kakhovka dam. Ukraine is investigating the explosion as a suspected Russian war crime and criminal environmental harm or ecocide.

Read also: Russia’s tsunami of fakes on Kakhovka dam will not wash away the truth

Ukraine filed a complaint to International Criminal Court regarding Kakhovka dam attack. Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on Russia-held territory, according to the Ukrainian government. Ukraine has already filed a complaint with the Hague Tribunal.

The International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s permanent war crimes tribunal, is also looking into the Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which may breach international law.

Ukraine is worried about food production and export losses due to Kakhovka HPP destruction. According to the Ukrainian government, the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP, which has caused significant flooding in parts of Ukraine, would have an impact on both agricultural production and exports.