Russia blocking aid to dam rupture victims, says UN

Breach flooded huge swathes of the Kherson region under control of Moscow and Kyiv

A car on the Kakhovka Dam that appears to be laden with explosives. The dam collapsed on June 6 while under Russian control. AP

The UN accused Russia on Sunday of continuing to block humanitarian aid deliveries to Moscow-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine that have been impacted by the recent Kakhovka dam rupture.

Moscow “has so far declined our request to access the areas under its temporary military control”, said Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Ukraine.

She said the world body will continue to engage to seek the necessary access.

The breach of the dam on June 6 inundated huge swathes of the Kherson region under Russian and Ukrainian control, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster.

Ms Brown urged the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

“The UN will continue to do all it can to reach all people – including those suffering as a result of the recent dam destruction – who urgently need life-saving assistance, no matter where they are,” she said.

On Saturday, officials in the Russian-held areas announced that the death toll from the dam breach had risen to 29, while Kyiv said the number killed in its territory rose to 16, with 31 still missing.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Russia has blamed Ukraine.