Zelenski: The dam at the Kahovka hydropower plant, mined by the Russians. The attack would be like using weapons of mass destruction

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, says that, from the information that the Ukrainians have, the aggregates and the dam of the Kahovka hydroelectric power plant were mined by Russian terrorists.

“Destroying the dam would mean a large-scale disaster,” he emphasizes. Zelenski adds: “All of us – all Europeans, all world leaders, all international organizations – must make it clear to the terrorist state that such a terrorist attack on the Kahovka hydropower plant will mean exactly the same thing as the use of weapons of mass destruction. The consequences for Russia should be appropriate. The world must act preventively”.

Zelenski stated, in the message sent on Thursday evening, that he participated in the meeting of the European Council, where one of the main topics was the problem of Ukraine and energy security. He showed that he informed about the “new terrorist steps” of Russia and the need to protect against this form of terrorism directed against the energy system.

“Russian troops continue to attack our power plants with missiles and drones. In the end, such Russian mischief will also fail. We are doing everything to get more modern and effective air defense systems and missile defense systems for Ukraine. And a day will come when we will announce: the Ukrainian sky is completely protected from Russian missiles, Iranian drones and other evildoers,” he declared.

The Ukrainian president added that Russia has tried to blackmail Europe with gas and oil, is organizing sabotage against submarine gas pipelines and essential cables in Europe and is trying to make people freeze.

“And what happened? Russia has only lost its weight on the European energy market, which it had gained since Brezhnev’s time, and will certainly be treated like the most imprudent international criminal. That will remain with Moscow for a long time, even after this Russian leader. Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine’s energy system, make our people suffer even more, but it only mobilizes the international community to help us even more and put even more pressure on the terrorist state. And all our expenses for protecting energy centers and for restoring our infrastructure after Russian terrorist attacks will be reimbursed on account of Russian assets. Each of the terrorists will be personally responsible for what they do. In front of the court. And the terrorist state will pay for its terror. With isolation, degradation and assets – both state and quasi-private entities linked to this regime in Russia”, he pointed out.

Zelenski said that he informed the Europeans at the European Council meeting about the next terrorist attack that Russia is preparing for the Kahovka hydroelectric plant.

“According to our information, the aggregates and the dam at the Kahovka hydropower plant were mined by Russian terrorists. Now everyone must act hard and fast to prevent another Russian terrorist attack. Destroying the dam would mean a large-scale disaster. Of course, we understand that the occupiers do not care what happens to the territory of Ukraine. Through this terrorist attack, they can destroy, among other things, even the possibility of securing water from the Dnieper River for Crimea. In the event of the destruction of the dam at the Kahovka hydropower plant, the North Crimean Canal will simply disappear. And if Russia is preparing such a terrorist attack, if it is seriously considering such a scenario, it means that the terrorists clearly realize that they will not be able to keep not only Kherson, but also the entire south of our country, including Crimea. It is up to all of us – all Europeans, all world leaders, all international organizations – to make it clear to the terrorist state that such a terrorist attack on the Kahovka hydropower plant will mean exactly the same thing as the use of weapons of mass destruction. The consequences for Russia should be appropriate. The world must act preventively. This is a key thing now. The principle of preventive response to security threats should finally become one of the basic principles of international politics,” Zelenski emphasized.

He mentioned that he had a telephone conversation on Thursday with the President of Germany, pointing out that Germany was the first country to provide Ukraine with the modern IRIS-T air defense system.

Also, Zelensky discussed with the president of Switzerland, who arrived in Kyiv on Thursday. “This shows the whole world that Switzerland does not remain morally neutral when such a terrorist war is waged against Ukraine and the whole of Europe. Switzerland has supported the EU’s sanctions packages and offers us humanitarian aid”, said Zelenskiy, noting that they discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine and the possibility of Switzerland investing in the development of the economy and infrastructure in this country.

“We also discussed compensation for the damage caused to Ukraine by Russian terror. I am grateful that $6.5 billion worth of Russian assets have already been frozen. This work must continue. And this is something about which Switzerland must not remain morally neutral”, added the president of Ukraine.

He showed that the situation on the front remains a difficult one.

“Especially in Donbas – the same Bakhmut direction – and in some directions in the south. But we keep our positions. We defend our land. We move little by little, removing the enemy. And we will certainly ensure victory for Ukraine,” Zelenskiy emphasized.

He added that he signed new decrees with awards for 148 defenders of Ukraine, specifically mentioning those of the 7th Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery, which provided protection in the north of the country during a missile attack by the Russians and destroyed a rocket in the Vyshhorod district of the Kyiv region.

“Today we shot down Iranian missiles and drones. Unfortunately, we don’t knock them all down. There are also blows, there are destructions. But we will do everything to ensure full protection for our sky. Terrorists always lose. Freedom always wins,” Zelenski emphasized.