WWF-CEE statement regarding Kakhovka Dam destruction in Ukraine

Posted on 09 Jun 2023
WWF-CEE is appalled by the escalating Russian aggression in Ukraine, which violates international humanitarian law.

The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam is a disaster, and is yet another tragedy for residents of the region and Ukraine as a whole. The dam breach and flooding is in an area affected by the war, therefore, access for collecting reliable information to assess the extent of the damage is extremely limited if not impossible at this time. Nevertheless, it is clear that the consequences for people and nature are devastating and on a huge scale. We call on the international community, and specifically the International Criminal Court, to assess the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and other environmental crimes and to bring those responsible to justice.


WWF-CEE is in the process of mobilising support for immediate assistance within our possibilities. We are ready to moblise the capacity, resources, experience and expertise of the WWF Network for undertaking a holistic assessment of the disaster and plan for the future. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine on its path toward a green, post-war recovery and supporting the environmental reforms needed for the country’s accession to the European Union. 
 

Andreas Beckmann, CEO,  WWF Central and Eastern Europe