Russia plans ‘false flag’ attack on Kherson dam ahead of battle for region: report
Russian forces in Ukraine are said to be plotting a “false flag” attack aimed at blowing up a hydraulic dam to flood Kherson in anticipation of a battle for the region, according to analysts.
The Russian-appointed governor of Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, claimed in a video this week Ukrainian forces were planning to destroy the Nova Kakhovka power station ahead of a “large-scale offensive,” he said, without citing any evidence.
“There is an immediate danger of flooding … due to the planned destruction of the Kakhovka dam and the release of water from a cascade of power plants further up the Dnipro,” he said.
Saldo’s comments came after Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the newly appointed commander of Russia’s forces in Ukraine — dubbed “General Armageddon” for his brutal tactics — said he has received information that Kyiv intends to strike the dam, which he claimed would cause severe flooding.
In interviews with state media outlets, Surovikin appeared to acknowledge there was now a danger of Ukrainian forces reclaiming Kherson, which Moscow’s troops captured in the early days of the conflict.
Analysts believe Russian forces are planning to blow up the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Kherson region and then blame the attack on Kyiv.AP
Gen. Sergei Surovikin, commander of Russia’s forces in Ukraine, recently said he has received information that Ukrainians intend to breach the dam.via REUTERS
“Our further plans and actions regarding the city of Kherson itself will depend on the emerging military-tactical situation. I repeat — it is already very difficult today,” Surovikin said.
“We will act consciously, in a timely manner, without ruling out difficult decisions.”
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, has concluded that Surovikin and Saldo’s statements are telegraphing Russia’s intention to sabotage the dam to cover its soldiers’ retreat and delay Ukrainian advances across the river — and blame it on Kyiv.
Ukraine has previously directed rocket strikes at the dam because an important road that was being used as the enemy’s supply route runs over it, but stopped short of destroying it.