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In recent weeks, the picture at the Kachowka reservoir has changed dramatically. After the dam was blown up, most of the water flowed towards the Black Sea. Instead of the lake, a dried up desert now stretches for long stretches.
Satellite images show the difference between the situation before and after the dam’s demolition. In addition to the drained areas, the new photos also show numerous meanders of the Dnieper, tributaries and ponds.
Parallels with World War II
The reservoir acted as a natural barrier along the front line. After his disappearance, speculation arose that Ukraine could launch a new offensive in the area, possibly from the city of Nikopol towards the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
As far back as World War II, the front line ran along the Dnieper River, when the Soviet Union fought to the south against Nazi Germany’s troops, who were mainly located northwest of the river. The Kachowka Reservoir did not exist at that time. At that time, the Soviet Union pushed back Adolf Hitler’s soldiers.
Dnieper still up to 500 meters wide
The area of the former reservoir is as large as the canton of Zurich, as the “NZZ” writes. Although partially dry, the terrain is difficult and unsuitable for armored advance. The reason for this is the remaining swampy areas that may not dry up for a long time. The Dnieper, which is up to 500 meters wide, continues to flow through the area and is therefore still a difficult obstacle to troop movements to overcome.
When Russia withdrew to the eastern bank at the end of last year, the bridges across the Dnipro were blown up. Ukrainian troops recently managed to establish a link with the left bank near the remains of the Antonivka bridge. However, they have not yet managed to make a major breakthrough there, because the Russians are pushing them back with air strikes, among other things.
The Ukrainian troops were now able to build temporary bridges across the river. However, wheeled and tracked vehicles can sink and get stuck in the remaining swampy areas. (no)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
