A dam explodes, the stakes rise and the war in Ukraine enters new phase
Posted June 7, 2023 7:06 am.
A collapsed dam in Ukraine unleashed a torrent of water on Tuesday, endangering civilians, military personnel, homes, and infrastructure, possibly posing a threat to a nuclear plant.
The incident has intensified the stakes and initiated a new phase of the war in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, military analysts have been anticipating a Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russia — one that could break through the front lines, lead to direct confrontation with Russian forces and potentially shift the balance of power. It is unclear how the dam collapse might impact that plan.
Balkan Devlen, Superforecaster at Good Judgement Inc., senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Program at the McDonald Laurier Institute, says the dam incident is further evidence of Russia’s apparent disregard for international law.
“They seem to have a list of war crimes, and they seem to be ticking each one of them one by one,” says Devlen.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine falters, it has become increasingly evident how far Putin’s regime is willing to go to maintain it. And with Ukraine preparing to launch a counterattack, the war may be approaching a critical point.
So what might happen next?
