Russian threats to blow up Kakhovka dam are “crazy” and nuclear strike “impractical”, says Reznikov
Oleksiy Reznikov (Photo:REUTERS/Murad Sezer)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov called Russian threats to blow up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant a “crazy idea” as they retreat from Kherson Oblast, the Reuters news agency wrote on Nov. 10.
Reznikov said that such a move would flood areas controlled by Moscow and also cut off their access to fresh water, via a canal from the Dnipro River to occupied Crimea.
“If you check the landscape in this district, you will find that the western bank is higher terrain and the east bank is lower terrain,” he said.
“This means the water will flow east of this bank and they will create risks for their troops.”
As for Russia’s nuclear threats, the minister said it would be impractical for Russia to resort to a step that would risk souring relations – and trade – with countries like India and China.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian invaders mined the Kakhovka HPP back in April. Ukraine has called on the UN and the EU to send an international mission to the HPP as soon as possible.
The Ukrainian military’s Operational Command South noted that the Russians are probably still holding onto the ability to blow up the Kakhovka HPP “as a last resort” – in particular, if their defense in Kherson Oblast collapses.
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