Fire at Ukraine's Largest Hydro Plant Following Russian Strike

Written by Camilla Jessen

Mar.22 - 2024 9:10 AM CET

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Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / SHutterstock.com
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / SHutterstock.com
Russians struck the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant, causing a fire at the station, but there is no threat of a dam breach.

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The Dnipro hydroelectric power plant in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was struck by Russian forces, causing a fire at Ukraine's largest hydropower facility. According to Ukrhydroenergo, the country's leading hydropower generation company, the situation is under control with no danger of the dam breaking.

"Unfortunately, there have been hits on Ukraine's largest hydroelectric power plant, Dnipro HPP in Zaporizhzhia. The non-humans (Russian forces), having already destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, are now attempting to create a new environmental disaster by targeting the hydroelectric infrastructure of Dnipro HPP and its dam," stated Ukrhydroenergo.

Firefighters and technicians are currently managing the fire at the plant following "numerous airstrikes".

Despite the severity, Ukrhydroenergo reassures, "There is no threat of a dam breach. The situation at the plant's dam is under control."

Evidence of the attack, including footage of the fire at the Dnipro hydroelectric station, was shared by Russian propagandist Vladimir Rogov and various Telegram channels.

Earlier, the Dnipro hydroelectric station was targeted overnight, leading to a halt in traffic over the dam. Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol, reported that a Russian missile had struck a trolleybus on the dam, resulting in numerous injuries.

This assault is part of a broader offensive where, on the night of 21-22 March, Russia deployed Shahed drones and cruise missiles across Ukraine. This caused a nationwide air-raid alert lasting approximately four hours, with notable impacts in Kharkiv where around 15 explosions occurred. Damage was also reported in Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Lviv, and Kryvyi Rih, affecting energy and critical infrastructure facilities.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko noted that this recent strike against Ukraine's energy sector is the largest seen in recent times.