Russia's careless operation: by detonating Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, Russia hoped to impede Ukrainian forces — Portnikov

He stated this on Espreso. 

“Destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam by the Russians is a planned crime lacking any logic. There have been eight years of negotiations concerning water supply to Crimea. The first action taken after the occupation of the Kherson region was to open the canal, presenting it as a major accomplishment, only to later destroy any chances of its functionality. The Russians have no intention of retreating or leaving Ukraine, as they have a clear plan in place until 2030, which does not include Ukraine. Even if there are rumors that they may return Crimea, it is not part of their actual plan. It is important to note that Crimea did not have successful military development prior to the opening of the North Crimean Canal.

Portnikov also highlighted that the North Crimean Canal provided resources not only for defense but also for offensive purposes.

“Historically, the lack of resources in Crimea has led to failed military operations, such as the Crimean War in the Russian Empire era and the Crimean operation in 1944. The canal served as a vital resource for both defense and attack. It seems unlikely that the Russians would intentionally undermine their own defense lines. Their goal was to create difficulties for Ukrainian forces on the other side of the Dnipro River. The operation appears haphazard, and a comprehensive understanding of the events would require satellite data and intelligence information, which may become available in due course. Nevertheless, the Russians are using every opportunity to discredit Ukraine through the dissemination of information,” he emphasized. 

• On June 6, the Russian occupying forces destroyed the Kakhovka Hydro Power Plant (HPP) through an explosion, resulting in complete destruction. This led to the flooding of settlements in the Kherson region, including the regional center itself. The flooding also affected the Mykolaiv region, and the water level rose in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Consequently, there has been a large-scale die-off of fish in the Dnipropetrovsk region. You can find more detailed information about the events here, as well as additional news regarding the HPP blow-up.