In Donetsk Oblast, in the village of Raihorodok, the dam on the Siverskyi Donets River has been destroyed. Analysis of satellite images from March 22 and 23, 2026, confirms significant damage to this hydraulic structure.
This is reported by Finway
Importance of the Dam for the Region
The dam on the Siverskyi Donets plays a key role in water supply through the “Siverskyi Donets-Donbas” canal. It is at this location that the main water intake is situated, which fills the entire canal with water from the river.
“The occupiers have repeatedly stated that their goal is to capture Sloviansk in order to gain control of this water intake – supposedly to provide water to Donetsk. However, in reality, the infrastructure of the canal has been destroyed by Russian attacks further along its course (Donbas Realities has repeatedly demonstrated this, including through satellite images. Russian positions are located at various points in the canal’s pipes, and the riverbed has become a line of defense).”
Preconditions and Consequences of the Destruction
Photographs of the damaged hydraulic structure first appeared on March 24 in Telegram channels, although details and the full video of the aerial footage were not released at that time. The dam in Raihorodok had already been blown up by Russian forces in 2022 during their retreat from Lyman. After that, Ukraine restored the dam with financial support from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
As of March 2026, the dam is located in the rear of the Ukrainian grouping operating in the Lyman direction. The destruction of this hydraulic structure may complicate the water supply for adjacent areas and affect the region’s defense capabilities.