In the wake of Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in Ukraine, Poland has offered its support and assistance to its neighbouring country. Michał Kuczmierowski, the head of Poland’s Government Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS), confirmed that they are in contact with Ukraine and are prepared to address their immediate needs. Currently, the priority for Ukraine is the evacuation of victims from the flooded areas.
On the matter, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński announced that the State Fire Service will provide Ukraine with specialized equipment, including water tanks and high-flow pumps, to aid in the rescue efforts. Furthermore, Poland has extended additional assistance, such as flood barriers and floodwater extraction machines, to alleviate the situation.
Regarding the breach of the Kakhovka dam, Bartosz Grodecki, the Polish deputy Interior Minister, briefed European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic on the current conditions in the affected region and the aid already offered by Poland. Grodecki confirmed that Ukraine has requested the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, he urged the commissioner to intensify assistance measures and offered Poland’s support from its logistic hub.
The Ukrainian authorities reported that the Kakhovka dam was deliberately demolished by Russia in the early hours of Tuesday, leading to severe flooding in the area.