Truth Hounds Report Calls for ICC Investigation into the Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine by Russian Armed Forces

On the anniversary of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine, Truth Hounds (TH) and Project Expedite Justice (PEJ) have released a comprehensive report detailing the causes and repercussions of this catastrophic event.

Titled “Submerged by War: Investigating the Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and Its Implications for Ecosystems, Agriculture, Civilian Life, and International Justice,” the document provides an exhaustive analysis across multiple dimensions, including evidence-based conclusions on ecological damage and potential war crimes, legal assessments regarding the accountability of those involved, the region’s history and economy pre and post-destruction, impacts on water resources, biodiversity, and soil health, as well as human casualties, displacements, and health risks.

The scope of the disaster extends far beyond the initial flooding, covering over 600 square kilometers inundated and displacing thousands from more than 80 settlements. Homes, infrastructure, and agriculture have suffered significant losses. Cultural landmarks, including the “Historical Centre of Nova Kakhovka” and the Polina Raiko House in Oleshky, renowned for its artistic significance, were also severely affected, with Raiko’s wall paintings nearly obliterated due to high water levels.

Environmental and Ecological Impact

The environmental consequences are profound. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam has resulted in an ecological catastrophe with extensive damage to aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, including the UNESCO-listed Black Sea Biosphere Reserve. It has disrupted the balance of fresh and saltwater, contaminated water with heavy metals, and compromised access to drinking water.

According to Vladimir Gryshko, legal consultant at Truth Hounds, “The findings of the report are crucial for understanding the incident and holding the responsible parties accountable. The document thoroughly investigates the situation and examines the potential classification of dam destruction as a war crime under the Rome Statute, due to the ‘disproportionate’ ecological damage compared to expected military advantage.”

Causes and Perpetrators

The destruction occurred on June 6, 2023, allegedly orchestrated by Russian armed forces. Evidence, including seismic data, eyewitness testimonies, and satellite imagery, strongly supports the theory of a controlled explosion, implicating Russia.

The operation was executed by the 205th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, with approvals from senior Russian military commanders including Oleg Makarevich, commander of the “Dnepr” group, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Sergey Shoigu, then Minister of Defence, and Vladimir Putin, Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Legal and Economic Ramifications

The legal implications are profound.

Pascal Turlan, Director of Legal Affairs and Programs at PEJ, emphasised, “Like other military operations by Russian armed forces in Ukraine, this destruction showed blatant disregard not only for civilian populations and infrastructure but also for the environment at large.”

The report advocates for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the war crime of dam destruction and prosecute the perpetrators.

Economically, the impact has been severe, particularly on agriculture heavily reliant on the dam’s irrigation. Initial flooding destroyed crops on 5,000 hectares, causing immediate losses exceeding $5 million. Long-term damages, including disruption of irrigation systems, could cost over $300 million annually.

Energy Security and Future Concerns

Moreover, the Kakhovka Dam played a significant role in regulating peak loads, particularly in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, generating 1.5–2 billion kWh annually.

Its destruction has reduced reserves for automatic frequency restoration in Ukraine’s energy system, increasing balancing costs.

The safety risks to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), Ukraine’s largest, have escalated, necessitating alternative water sources and increased drilling for wells.

International Legal Precedent

The case of the Kakhovka Dam sets a precedent for addressing environmental war crimes globally.

Dmitry Koval, legal director at Truth Hounds and legal advisor at PEJ, highlighted, “This incident presents a pivotal opportunity to transform dormant norms of international criminal law into active deterrents against environmental crimes.”

International organisations such as Greenpeace have echoed these sentiments, advocating for a thorough ICC investigation and classification of the destruction as a potential war crime.

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Source: truth-hounds.org

The White Dove was the first work of the artist Polina Raiko, who hand-painted her house in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast. It was submerged due to the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, and the artist’s frescoes suffered significant damage.