Ukrainian forces: "We are prepared for Russian attacks on Pechenihy dam in Kharkiv Oblast"

Ukraine's 16th Army Corps has stated that Ukraine is prepared for the possibility that a Russian attack could critically damage the dam at the Pechenihy Reservoir in Kharkiv Oblast and has drawn up contingency plans.

Source: 16th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "The Ukrainian side has long been aware of the potential risks and is prepared in case the dam suffers critical damage. Relevant contingency plans have been drawn up in advance. Alternative routes have been developed in case the dam is hit. They were actively used earlier and are now fully sufficient to provide the necessary logistics.

Secondly, Ukrainian units have stockpiled the necessary material and technical supplies. Therefore, the temporary and probable loss of the ability to move across the dam will not have a critical impact on combat operations.

And thirdly, if necessary, the Ukrainian defence forces are ready to rebuild the crossing in the shortest possible time. There are special engineering assets and specialised personnel for this, who are already working according to the established schemes."

Details: The 16th Army Corps emphasised that the Pechenihy dam is a critically important facility that provides water supply, ecosystem stability and safety for dozens of settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. Attempts to destroy the dam have no military justification and are a gross violation of international humanitarian law and are classified as a war crime.

It was noted that the Pechenihy dam has long been the target of systematic Russian attacks. Russian forces tried to hit it using Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions, guided aerial bombs, missiles of various types, Molniya drones and first-person view UAVs. Several attempts to strike this area have been recorded in just the past few days. On 5 December, a Russian missile struck a residential area nearby, destroying more than 10 houses.

Background: On 7 December, Oleksandr Husarov, head of the village of Pechenihy, reported that Russian forces had struck the dam at the Pechenihy Reservoir in Kharkiv Oblast. The Pechenihy dam roadway was temporarily closed to traffic.

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