The Kyiv dam remains stable and poses no imminent threat of breaching, despite a recent Russian strike on the surrounding Kyiv Oblast, according to Ihor Syrota, the head of Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine’s state-run hydroelectric company. On August 28, Syrota assured the public that the dam over the Dnipro River, just north of Kyiv, is not at risk, even after Russia’s intense offensive on August 26—the largest since the outset of the full-scale invasion. This attack targeted the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant, which lies adjacent to the dam.
Kyiv Dam Under Attack
Reports confirm Russian missiles targeted the Kyiv Reservoir dam. While the dam stands, the strike signals a dangerous escalation, threatening millions if breached. #KyivDamAttack #UkraineCrisis #UkraineRussiaWar #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/iM6CFCuZP3
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) August 26, 2024
At the time of the assault, authorities confirmed that the power plant sustained “no critical damage.” Syrota reiterated this on national television, stating, “There is currently no danger of breach or flooding of the Kyiv dam.” Although the plant was hit, the damage has not compromised the dam’s structural integrity. Cleanup efforts are underway to remove debris from the site, and while the extent of the damage and necessary repairs are still being evaluated, Syrota confirmed that no personnel were harmed. This was largely due to the staff’s adherence to safety protocols, including seeking refuge in designated shelters during the attack.
Syrota also pointed out that every station under Ukrhydroenergo’s management has come under Russian fire. “As of today, unfortunately, there is no station (of Ukrhydroenergo) that has not been attacked by Russia,” he remarked, highlighting the extensive nature of the targeted assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The situation recalls the catastrophic destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant and its adjacent dam in Kherson Oblast, which Russian forces detonated from within in June 2023. This attack unleashed severe flooding that resulted in both economic and environmental devastation across southern Ukraine. Similarly, the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia suffered significant damage during a large-scale aerial assault on energy infrastructure in March 2024, although the dam itself managed to remain intact.
Documentation of a Russian attack on the Kyiv Hydro Power Plant Dam. The Kyiv Dam contains 3.7 billion tons of water, and is located upstream from Kyiv, an explosion of Kyiv Dam will flood and kill thousands of citizens in Kyiv and nearby cities. pic.twitter.com/Ys4TSKFAMA
— shoko 007 (@SYaacobi) August 26, 2024
As it stands, Syrota indicated that the Kakhovka facility is “completely lost” to Ukraine, and the Dnipro station is “practically non-operational.” Despite these setbacks, Ukrhydroenergo is striving to restore its facilities, but the ongoing Russian attacks make it challenging to offer any long-term projections about the future of Ukraine’s hydroelectric infrastructure.
Russia’s strategy has consistently included mass attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, aimed at crippling the country’s capacity to sustain its defense efforts. This tactic was first employed during the fall and winter of 2022-2023 and saw a resurgence in the spring of 2024. After a period of relative calm over the summer, which allowed Ukraine to recuperate some of its energy capabilities, Russia renewed its offensive in recent days, once again forcing Ukraine to impose restrictions on energy consumption.
The Kyiv Dam holds back almost 4 cubic km of water. For scale, that is equivalent of 1,500 Pyramids on top of each other
Russia launched missiles at the Dam today in an effort to flood Kyiv a city of 3 million – with 4 cubic km of water
When will the West wake up? @mouw5284 pic.twitter.com/BDHHP6th9V
— CARGO 200 RETRIBUTION FELLA (@Norn_Psychopath) August 26, 2024
The pattern of destruction and repair has become a grim routine, illustrating the resilience and fortitude required to withstand the ongoing conflict. Yet, the situation remains fluid and precarious, with each new wave of attacks testing the limits of Ukraine’s infrastructure and its people’s resolve.
Major Points
- The Kyiv dam remains stable with no risk of breaching after a Russian strike near the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant. Authorities reported no critical damage from the attack.
- Ihor Syrota, head of Ukrhydroenergo, confirmed that cleanup is underway and no personnel were harmed, thanks to safety protocols.
- All Ukrhydroenergo stations have been attacked by Russia, highlighting the widespread assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- The attack is similar to the June 2023 destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, which caused severe flooding and damage.
- Despite ongoing attacks aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy grid, restoration efforts continue, though the future remains uncertain.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
