MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. The Ukrainian army detonating the Ternovsky dam of the Kurakhovo reservoir has crippled a vital source of water, damaged fisheries, washed away the fertile soil layer, and could potentially flood cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, and fertilizer storage facilities, Roman Pukalov, director of environmental programs at the Green Patrol public organization, told TASS.

Flooding may now also affect the Volchya River.

Earlier, security agencies informed TASS that the Ukrainian armed forces had flooded their own positions by destroying the dam of the Kurakhovo water reservoir. At least 10 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and basements where civilians from nearby settlements may have been sheltering were also submerged.

"The primary concern is the harm to people, as well as the destruction of a future water supply source. The reservoir still serves an important function - regulating water levels. Consequently, beyond the initial destructive wave following the explosion, additional flooding will occur along the Volchya River until the dam is repaired. Spring floods are expected after heavy rains next year," Pukalov stated.

He added that the blast killed many fish in the reservoir, washed away fertile soil, and inundated potentially hazardous sites, including cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, and fertilizer depots.

"This is not to mention the loss of life and damage to farms. While the full extent of the water volume and flooded areas remains unclear, it is evident that the environmental impact is profoundly negative. The exact damage will be evaluated after the completion of the special military operation," Pukalov concluded.