Ukraine’s dam crisis: Humanitarian impact and conflict escalation

Ukraine is facing a water crisis as dams are being destroyed in the midst of a conflict with Russia. After the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, another dam has been reportedly attacked by Russia in the Donetsk region. How many more dams will fall victim to this war?

T he destruction of Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam on 6 June was a devastating event, triggering a humanitarian disaster that claimed lives, displaced people, cut off drinking water, and swamped agricultural land.

This potential war crime has been condemned by both Ukraine and Russia, who have accused each other of carrying out the attack.

Reports are now emerging of another dam destruction on the Mokri Yaly River in the Donetsk region, which Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out to slow Ukrainian advances.