The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has confirmed that a team from the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) has visited the area of a major hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine, which is currently occupied by Russia. The purpose of the visit is to conduct investigations related to the recent destruction of the Kakhovka dam. The ICC is responsible for trying individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
While the ICC confirmed the visit, it is unable to provide further details due to strict confidentiality protocols in place to protect the integrity of their investigative work, as well as the safety and security of victims and witnesses.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Kakhovka Hydro Electric Power Plant dam on the Dnipro River in Nova Kakhovka was blown up, presumably with explosives, on Tuesday. As a result, at least 46 towns and villages remain flooded, with casualties and missing persons reported. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that around 17,000 people have been affected, but this number could rise to 40,000.
Both Ukraine and Russia have exchanged accusations regarding the attack on the dam. Kyiv officials have accused the Kremlin of committing ecocide by destroying the facility occupied by Moscow forces for several months. Russia, on the other hand, claims that the Ukrainian military planned the attack since last year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the ICC has been investigating the dam breach following a request from Kyiv’s prosecutor general. Zelensky emphasized the importance of international justice representatives witnessing the consequences of the attack and the ongoing Russian terror.
The Ukrainian government is fully cooperating with the ICC and other relevant institutions to ensure an independent and objective investigation. Evacuations have been carried out, and rescue operations continue in the affected regions.
