What's happening? 

A huge damA barrier built to stop water flowing down a river, creating a lake. in UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. has been destroyed. Today, large areas are flooded, putting thousands of people in danger. 

Ukraine says RussiaThe largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people. blew up the dam, but Russia blames Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia have been at war for more than a year. The war started when Russia invadedWhen an army enters a country or place to take it over. Ukraine.  

The Kakhovka dam is in part of Ukraine that is controlled by Russian soldiers.

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Ukraine says Russia blew up the dam. Some think the Russians may have been worried that Ukraine would use the bridge over the dam to bring more soldiers into the area and try to take back control of the land. 

It may be harder for Ukraine to take back this area now. 

But others say the dam attack will make things harder for Russia too. It will make it harder to bring water to areas that Russia controls. 

Yes! The flooding means Ukraine will need to put its efforts into helping people whose homes are lost. It will be harder for the country to fight to take back more areas from the Russians.

No! Ukraine is still fighting strongly. And the dam collapse will hurt the Russians too, as it will make it harder to bring water to areas they control.