DAM-BUST IS WAR CRIME

WAR IN UKRAINE: FLOODING DAMAGE TERROR | Cleverly fury as blast destroys huge reservoir | Thousands flee after Russia blamed for attack

- CHRIS HUGHES

THE destruction of a massive dam in Ukraine is a war crime, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said yesterday. 

Russian forces are prime suspects for the explosion that triggered huge floods, forcing thousands to flee for their lives.

Kyiv and Moscow blamed each other for blowing up the dam and partially destroying its hydroelectric power station.

Yesterday’s attack at Nova Kakhovka also risked Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

Cleverly said: “The destruction of Kakhovka dam is an abhorrent act. Intentionally attacking exclusively civilian infrastructure is a war crime.

“The UK stands ready to support Ukraine and those affected by this catastrophe.”

The blast on the “Russian side” of the dam sent Dnipro River flood waters rising by up to 40ft, hitting around 100 communities in the southern Kherson region.

Kyiv claimed Russia blew up the dam to hinder the new counter-offensive against the invaders.