Russian forces attempted to strike the Pechenizka Dam in the Kharkiv region using six guided aerial bombs. The attack occurred during the spring flood season when the water level in the reservoir is at its highest, significantly increasing the risks for adjacent areas in the event of damage to the hydraulic structure.
This is reported by Finway
Details of the Attack and Its Consequences
According to military sources, on April 14, Russian forces targeted the Pechenizka Reservoir area with six guided aerial bombs. Four of them exploded on land near the hydraulic structures, while the other two fell into the water. A video released captured the moment of a powerful explosion: a thick column of black smoke rises into the sky after the impact.
“The destruction of the dam right now, during the ‘high water’ period, would have led to catastrophic consequences for communities downstream, causing widespread flooding and ecological disaster,” the statement explained.
Despite the deliberately chosen timing for the attack, fortunately, no damage to the dam has been reported. The facility continues to operate normally, and water discharge is being conducted in a controlled manner. The military emphasizes that the situation is under round-the-clock monitoring, and special services have well-developed action algorithms in case of threats.
Information Attack and Additional Context
After the unsuccessful attempt to damage the critical facility, the Russian Federation initiated an information campaign, disseminating false reports through pro-Russian resources about alleged damage to the dam and emergency water discharge. However, this information is not accurate — water discharge is proceeding as planned and under the control of the relevant services.
Oleg Synegubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, confirmed that six guided aerial bombs were launched at the dam on April 14. He emphasized that the Pechenizka Reservoir is a strategic facility for the region, which is crucial for the safety of the residents and meeting their needs.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia might change its tactics and focus strikes on water infrastructure facilities, including dams, water supply systems, and logistical routes.
Similar attacks have already occurred: in February, it became known about the explosion of a dam near the village of Osikove in Donetsk region, complicating the logistics for the Ukrainian Defense Forces near Kostiantynivka. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, emphasized that the destruction of such facilities threatens the safety of the civilian population and could lead to new humanitarian crises.