On the morning of June 6, 2023, Russian occupiers blew up the Kakhovsk hydroelectric power plant. Destroying civilian infrastructure is a war crime against hundreds of thousands of civilians. The terrible humanitarian and environmental consequences of this next terrorist act our country will experience for many years to come. As a result of the destruction of the dam on the Kakhovsky reservoir, 48 settlements were flooded, 31 in the territory controlled by Ukraine and 17 in the temporarily occupied territory.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, Europe continues to support Ukraine in its daily struggle for freedom. To overcome the devastating effects of the dam, the European Union has urgently applied the Civil Protection Mechanism, the world's largest system for providing international coordinated emergency assistance, which Ukraine recently joined as a State Party, having signed on April 20 of this year the relevant international Union Goda.

In close communication with the EU Emergency Response Coordination Center, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received fire and rescue equipment, all-terrain vehicles, special vehicles, a refrigerator, fuel tanks and work clothes.

Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Germany purchased 56 generators and 5000 water filters, Austria delivered 20 water tanks and 10 mud pumps, Latvia allocated 200,000 euros, Poland received 10 water tanks and 10 pumping pumps, as well as a flood control module with two boats.

With superhuman efforts, our rescuers, policemen, border guards, national guards and volunteers do not stop for a moment in the evacuation, search and rescue work in the flood zone. All of them, despite the danger and constant shelling of the invaders, help both people and animals to leave the flooded areas of Kherson region, because every life is the highest value!

The European Union remains steadfast in its support, stands and will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine!

United and strong — for the sake of people's lives and safety!