Russians mine dams around Belgorod, preparing to carry out provocations
Pravda Ukraine
Russian troops are actively mining dams near Belgorod, probably preparing for provocations to blame Ukraine for the environmental and humanitarian impact.
Source: Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational Tactical Group, on Telegram
Details: He said that the Russians are not only actively building fortifications around Belgorod, but are also actively mining general and special-purpose waterworks.
Quote: “This can be regarded as a ‘bookmark’ for the future – if, for example, the situation changes dramatically and the Russians have to blow up dams to slow down the advance of the Ukrainian defence forces, or we can assume that Russia is preparing provocations at hydroelectric facilities in order to blame Ukraine for environmental and humanitarian impact in the future.”
Details: Sarantsev noted that such actions could be used to mobilise the Russian population and divert attention from the country’s internal problems. The explosion of hydroelectric facilities could cause large-scale flooding, inundation of settlements and environmental disasters.
Background:
- In August, Russia announced the creation of new groups of forces to defend Belgorod Oblast against the backdrop of the failure of the defence of Kursk Oblast.
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border near the town of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, on 6 August 2024.
- On 27 August, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that since the beginning of the operation in Kursk Oblast in Russia, Ukraine has captured 594 Russian soldiers and controls more than 100 settlements or 1,294 square kilometres.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that these actions are aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent Russian military operations against Ukraine.
- Russian ruler Vladimir Putin persistently continues to downplay the results of Ukraine’s successful operation in Kursk, trying to convince Russian society that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ control of Russian territory means nothing.
Support UP or become our patron!