The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam: Putin and his cronies must be held accountable for the destruction and suffering caused to Ukraine and its people

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament strongly condemns the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, a devastating environmental crime deliberately performed by Putin’s regime in occupied Ukraine, putting at risk the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians.

The release of over 18 cubic km of water within a span of 3 - 4 days threatens nearly 80 villages and cities, potentially affecting around 100,000 inhabitants directly, while up to one million people could lose access to drinking water. In the longer term, the destruction of the dam will have a significant impact on Ukraine's environment, economy and society, including the possible displacement and migration of the population, according to a United Nations’ analysis. The dam destruction has also devastating effects on the ecosystems of the Kakhovka reservoir and the lower Dnipro River, where some species of animals being at risk of extinction.

Speaking during today’s plenary debate on the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement), shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, said:

“After me, the deluge. This cynical and opportunistic saying has become the norm for the Russian occupiers in Ukraine. The most recent example of this is the blowing up of the Nova Kakhovka dam, which has had a series of ecological, economic, humanitarian and sanitary consequences. These crimes will, I have no doubt, become irrefutable evidence before the International Tribunal and will bring well-deserved punishment to the Russian leaders and the perpetrators of their will. I hope that this will happen soon.”

Renew Europe MEP, Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, added:

“While we prepare to rebuild Ukraine, Russia continues its work of destruction. Let us not look away from Russia's aggression in Ukraine and its consequences. Russia must be defeated and Russia must pay for the reconstruction of what it has destroyed. There is no other way.”