The explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant: military ecologists have completed training on gathering evidence of the russian army's crime

Representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine have undergone training in documenting the aftermath of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant destruction by the russian army. During the training, military ecologists learned the methodology for collecting evidence on the environmental impact of this war crime.

Specifically, the Center of Excellence for Mine Action and Environmental Safety specialists gathered samples of various environmental components. For this purpose, they employed equipment received from international partners. 

During the training, experts from the Center shared the knowledge they gained with representatives of the State Ecological Inspectorate of the Southern District (Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts).

The training was held within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) initiatives in Ukraine. Organizational support was provided by the Nicole Foundation from Belgium and the NGO ‘Public Policy and Consulting Institute’.

Reference information: On June 6, 2023, russian occupation forces perpetrated one of the most catastrophic environmental crimes of the 21st century by destroying the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant's dam. The destruction led to the flooding of over 75,000 hectares of land. 

The devastating flood caused the destruction of ecosystems, affecting numerous animal and plant species, and led to extensive pollution and environmental contamination. Large quantities of pollutants, hazardous chemicals, and petroleum products infiltrated the soil. 

Due to the flood, thousands of mines and explosive hazards were carried away and became buried under layers of soil.