Russian-built dam near occupied Tokmak causes flooding, satellite images show
The water level due to the recently built Russian dam in Tokmak is rising (Photo:Michael Sheldon/Planet Labs/Twitter)
Russians invasion forces have built a dam on the outskirts of occupied Tokmak in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, presumably to use flooding tactics against Ukraine's counter-offensive, open-source investigative outfit Bellingcat reported on June 29.
The group published satellite images as evidence that the Russians were flooding the area near the town by damming the Tokmachka River.
The dam is located within the Russian defense line, which includes Tokmak. After its construction in early May, the Tokmachka River significantly expanded to the east of the city and flooded nearby fields, Bellingcat writes.
"Tire tracks leading from the dam suggest that it could also function as a second bridge, although the bridge next to it on the P37 road appears to be functioning normally," Bellingcat reported.
Satellite photos from the U.S. company Planet Labs show vehicle track marks leading to the dam on May 3, 2023, as well as the Tokmachka River being cut off on May 6. The water level on the east side of the dam continued to rise through June, as seen in successive satellite images.
"Increasing the water levels of the Tokmachka River could be part of a greater effort aimed at slowing down advancing Ukrainian forces," Bellingcat said.
“More specifically, this may be part of an effort to slow down an eastern envelopment of Tokmak in the event of a Ukrainian breakthrough near the city.”
Tokmak is a city on the road from Zaporizhzhya to Melitopol, which is important both militarily and logistically. Currently, the Ukrainian army is conducting an offensive on the Berdyansk, Melitopol and Bakhmut sections of the front.
Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in the early hours of June 6, triggering widespread flooding that posedd a grave threat to downstream cities and towns along the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also reported the Russian military blowing small dams to prevent Ukraine's counter-offensive.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
