Russia likely destroyed Ukrainian dam

Evidence suggests that Russia blew up the Kakhovka dam that collapsed on June 6 in a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, according to analysis by the New York Times


Jun 6, 2023: Seismic stations in Ukraine and Romania detect signs of large explosions at 02:35 and 02:54. Witnesses in area hear large blasts between 02:15 and 03:00

Just before dam gives way, U.S. intelligence satellites capture infrared heat signals that also indicate explosion


BELARUS
Seismic stations
UKRAINE
ROMANIA
Kyiv
Kakhovka dam
Black Sea
RUSSIA
Russian control
200km 125 miles


CROSS SECTION OF KAKHOVKA DAM (before Jun 6)

Kakhovka reservoir
Holds 18 cubic km of water – volume roughly equal to Great Salt Lake in U.S. state of Utah

Hydropower crane

Rail bridge

Debris screen

Concrete base

Sluice gate

Vehicle bridge
Drone footage appears to show explosive-laden car on dam just before it collapsed – possibly to amplify main explosion

Passageway

Dnipro River

Spillway


New York Times: Citing engineers and explosive experts, investigation found evidence suggesting explosive charge detonated in passageway, destroying dam on Jun 6

Global Rights Compliance
Separate team of legal experts assisting Ukraine’s investigation said in initial findings that Russia was “highly likely” to have destroyed dam


Sources: New York Times, Reuters
© GRAPHIC NEWS