Following the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in the Kherson region of Ukraine, which is controlled by Russia, White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby made a statement.
Expressing that he could not say for sure what caused the destruction of the dam, Kirby said that they evaluated the reports that Russia caused the destruction.
Kirby said that it is clear that the collapse of the dam on the Dnipro River probably caused “many deaths” and the evacuation of thousands of Ukrainians, adding that the damage could have a devastating effect on Ukraine’s energy security.
“We’ve seen reports that Russia was responsible for the explosion at the dam. “We are doing our best to evaluate these reports and are working with the Ukrainians to gather more information, but we cannot say for sure what happened,” he said.
Asked whether the demolition of the dam would constitute a war crime, Kirby replied that international law prohibits the demolition of civilian infrastructure.
Kirby also said that the United States will continue to work with humanitarian partners to provide assistance to those affected.
On the other hand, Russia stated that it was not behind the attack and claimed that it was an act of sabotage by Ukraine.