The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP was not just a military strike but a point of no return for the entire ecosystem of southern Ukraine. The loss of Europe's largest reservoir has threatened the existence of agriculture, urban water supply, and the natural balance of the region. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NAS) has released shocking figures that paint a grim picture of the future.
Agricultural Collapse: Losses from 71% to 98%
According to NAS research, the consequences of the dam's destruction have already manifested on a catastrophic scale. In many areas of the southern regions, the loss of land suitable for growing crops ranges from 71% to 98%. This means that the traditional model of agriculture in the region has effectively ceased to function. Land that was the breadbasket for decades is turning into a zone of ecological disaster.
The Illusion of Safety: Why New Water Bodies Won't Save the Day
Visually, it may seem that a network of new lakes and water bodies has formed in place of the former reservoir, capable of replacing the lost resource. However, scientists are debunking this myth. The new water bodies do not possess the necessary capacity and stability to ensure water supply during critical periods. In low-water years, the water deficit in the Dnipro basin risks becoming a chronic problem that cannot be solved by simple methods.
Strategic Choice: Not Just "Build or Not Build"
Vice-President of the NAS, Vyacheslav Bogdanov, emphasizes that the discussion about the future of the Kakhovka reservoir must go beyond the simple question of "to restore or not." The issue is a fundamental review of the entire water supply system of the region. The decisions made today will determine the economy, the development of the agricultural sector, and the state of ecosystems for decades to come.
Long-term Forecast: Risk of Complete Disappearance of Rivers
Hydrologists warn of an even more frightening scenario. If radical measures are not taken, rivers in the south and southeast of Ukraine may disappear completely within the next 50 years. This is not a hypothetical forecast but a real threat facing the region. Science calls on the state to use expert data to make responsible decisions capable of preventing irreversible consequences.