United Nations rebukes Russia for allegedly denying aid workers access into areas hit by Kakhovka dam collapse in southern Ukraine

The United Nations has rebuked Moscow for allegedly denying its aid workers access to Russian-occupied areas affected by the recent Kakhova Dam collapse in southern Ukraine

The United Nations has rebuked Moscow for allegedly denying its aid workers access to Russia-occupied areas affected by the recent Kakhovka Dam collapse in southern Ukraine, which stranded residents, threatened power supplies and caused an environmental calamity as the war approaches 16 months.

The U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, said in a statement late on June 18 that the organisation had engaged with Moscow and Kyiv, each of which occupies parts of the southern Kherson region where the dam and reservoir are located, urging with them to address the “devastating destruction” caused by the breach.

The Russian Government “has so far declined our request to access the areas under its temporary military control,” Ms. Brown said.

"We urge the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law,” her statement added.

Exclusive drone photos and information obtained by The Associated Press indicate Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to blow up the dam, which was under Russian control, earlier this month.

The explosion occurred as Ukraine mustered up a counteroffensive. Kyiv's forces have intensified attacks along the 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) front line recently.

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