Military expert explains aim of Russian statements about provocations at Kyiv, Kaniv dams

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"To blow up the Kyiv HPP, you have to do it from the inside. That is, the way it was done at Kakhovka HPP. This requires a large amount of explosives. In the USSR, special niches were provided for during the construction of these facilities. That is, if these niches were completely filled, these facilities could be destroyed. Only an explosion from the inside could do what they did last year," Stupak explained.

The expert noted that the Russians are trying to divert attention from the attacks on Okhmadyt.

"Indeed, the Russians may strike at the dams of the Kyiv HPP and the Kaniv reservoir. They have already shelled a hydroelectric power plant in Zaporizhzhia region. The hydroelectric power plant is out of commission, but the dam is still standing. Because it was built really well.

So, in my opinion, all these statements by the Russians about provocations at the Kyiv HPP and the Kaniv reservoir are a distraction. In this way, they are trying to divert attention from Okhmatdyt children's hospital and the problems that are only accumulating there. The Russians want to change the focus of our society's attention to other things, so that we discuss this topic, not the previous one," he added.

• On July 12, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Ukraine was planning to destroy the dams of the Kyiv HPP and the Kaniv reservoir and blame Russia for it.