The military deployments of both Russia and Ukraine have been affected, and the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station has been destroyed. The Ukrainian army is attacking both sides
The attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam triggered a chain reaction, disrupting military operations and deployments along the Dnieper River by both Russia and Ukraine. Foreign media reported that the Ukrainian army deployed the Leopard 2 tank for the first time in the battle.
The Kakhovka hydropower station located in Kherson was damaged on the 6th, resulting in a dam breach and a significant increase in water levels downstream of the Dnieper River, posing serious ecological and humanitarian risks.
Leontiev, the head of the military and civilian administrative agency in Novokhovka City
It can be said that more than 600 residential buildings in the city of Novokhovka alone have been flooded, with most of the losses being catastrophic.
The video captured by the drone shows rows of houses in Kherson State, with only the roof still above the water level.
BBC journalist
Now, to move on the streets, you need a boat like this, and the current silence reflects how some parts of the city have become unsuitable for living. That sign is usually as high as the head, and the trunks of the trees are completely submerged. Rescue teams are doing their best to help people. You can see what kind of situation they are trapped in, and the water is very turbid. After all of this, Kherson is now a city in trouble.
Zelensky calls on the international community to help disaster victims
Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the flooded southern region of Kherson on the 8th and called on the international community to make "clear and prompt" efforts to help the affected population.
At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations dispatched over 600 people to carry out disaster relief operations in the Kherson region.
After the destruction of the Kakhovka hydropower station, Russia and Ukraine accused each other of being the perpetrators.
The destruction of the Kakhovka hydropower station has affected the military deployment of both Russia and Ukraine
At present, the dam breach has disrupted the military operations and deployments of both Russia and Ukraine along the Dnieper River. For the Russian side, Russian military expert Alexei Leonkov believes that the defense fortifications of the Russian army on the left bank of the Dnieper River are located in the flood zone, so they will have to temporarily withdraw from there.
For the Ukrainian side, the "counterattack" in the direction of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia may face obstacles. Ukrainian political and military commentator Kovalenko wrote that the Ukrainian army is building a "bridgehead" for a counter attack on Crimea on the island of Hekou in the lower reaches of Kherson Oblast, and floods will damage Ukrainian military facilities. In addition, a large area of Kherson has become a swamp, making it extremely difficult to pass for several weeks, and the Ukrainian army's "counterattack" will be blocked.
Russian Defense Minister: The Ukrainian army attempted to break through the Russian defense line in the direction of Zaporizhzhia but was unsuccessful
On the 8th, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the statement by Russian Defense Minister Shoigu. The statement stated that in the early hours of the same day, the Ukrainian army attempted to break through the Russian defense line in the direction of Zaporizhzhia, and the Russian army carried out preventive strikes against the Ukrainian army using artillery, aircraft, and anti tank weapons.
According to the Russian satellite news agency, the Ukrainian military has promised to launch a "counterattack" in the past month, but has not made progress.
British media: The Ukrainian army deployed the "Leopard 2" tank in the battle
On the 9th, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces released an early morning battle report stating that there have been 43 battles in the frontline area in the past 24 hours. According to the Financial Times on the 8th, the Ukrainian military has deployed the Leopard 2 tank for the first time. At the end of January this year, the German government announced that it would provide Ukraine with the Leopard 2 main battle tank. At the same time, as a Leopard tank producing country, Germany also allowed third countries with Leopard tanks to quickly provide Ukraine with the tank.
The Russian side claims to have destroyed the Ukrainian "Leopard 2" tank, while the West questions its authenticity
According to a report from the Russian Ministry of Defense on the 6th, the Russian military thwarted a large-scale attack by the Ukrainian army the day before and destroyed the target of 8 suspected "Leopard 2" tanks.
Associated Press analyst Michael Bizek
If Russia really destroyed 8 Panther tanks, it would be big news, but the video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense did not show that the Ukrainian tanks were attacked. We believe that the Russian side attacked agricultural machinery. The image appearing in the helicopter's sight video has four wheels that are very high off the ground, which is different from the Leopard 2 tank. The tracks of the Leopard 2 tank are like bulldozers, very low off the ground, making it difficult for enemies to hit.
US media: On the front line of Bakhmut, the Ukrainian army is still relying on Soviet era weapons
The Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade issued a statement on the 8th stating that it had forced Russian troops to "retreat 1.8 kilometers from the front line" near Bachmut. A CNN reporter reporting on the front line of Bachmut said that the Ukrainian military's attack relies on weapons from the Soviet era, and the United States and NATO have reserved their assistance with modern weapons in launching an attack on Ukraine against Russia.
CNN reporter talks to Ukrainian soldiers
Ukrainian soldier: I call it a "retired person".
Ukrainian soldier: That's enough, but I want to update the weapon.
According to American media, the helicopters used by the Ukrainian military were built during the Soviet era and are very old. They participate in combat almost every day and can only fly at low altitudes to avoid missiles and Russian aircraft interception devices.
Ukrainian soldiers
These helicopters may be even older than my parents and even reach the age of my grandparents, but they are still very reliable to drive.
Biden said that "the West has done everything it can to aid Ukraine"
At the same time, the West is still further increasing military aid to Ukraine. On the 8th, US President Biden stated at a joint press conference with visiting British Prime Minister Sunak that the United States and its allies have made every effort to assist Ukraine and prepare for its counterattack against Russia.
US President Biden
The situation is developing, and we are very optimistic. We are advancing this goal by providing Ukraine with the necessary support on the battlefield and helping them strengthen their long-term military capabilities. As long as it is needed, I believe we will have the necessary financial support for Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian International News Agency, Ukrainian Defense Minister Leznikov stated that some Western countries have started or expressed willingness to help train Ukrainian pilots to pilot F-16 fighter jets, and Ukraine is preparing to deploy this type of fighter jet in the autumn and winter seasons of this year.
Analysis: There is a risk of further escalation in the Ukrainian crisis
Analysts believe that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydropower station indicates a risk of further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. Under the continuous escalation of some Western countries led by the United States, the crisis in Ukraine has shown a long-term, expanding, and complex trend.
