Unique landscape systems of Dnipro estuary, sites of rare bird nesting and animal migration destroyed – ecologist on Russia's blowing up of Kakhovka HPP

Stanislav Ihnatiev, an energy expert and environmentalist, said this on Espreso TV.

"The environmental consequences are simply catastrophic. The unique landscape systems of the entire Dnipro estuary have been destroyed - these are unique places that have been washed away by water and these are nesting places for rare birds and migratory birds. I am not talking about animals that could not migrate. According to Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine's hydropower generating company, about 150 tons of fuel and lubricants were at the dam – transformer oil, oil that was in the drives, backup oil. It was washed away and accumulated in the soil and water and is carried into the Black Sea," he said.

• On Tuesday, June 6, Russian occupation forces blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, completely destroying it. Evacuation of residents from dangerous areas began, and the President of Ukraine convened an emergency meeting of the Security and Defense Council. For a detailed account of the events, click here.