Russia categorically rejects the accusations that it allegedly destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, Dmitry Peskov outlined.
"We can reject them categorically, we reject them decisively, we declare this officially.
Earlier in the day, the upper part of the Kakhovka plant was destroyed by shelling, but the reservoir's dam itself was not destroyed. The city authorities later said that the structure of the dam was partially destroyed by shelling, causing then the destruction of three spans under water pressure. Civilians are currently being evacuated from flooded coastal zones.
"We can already clearly state that this is a deliberate sabotage by the Ukrainian side," Peskov told a briefing.
Kiev's sabotage at the dam is connected with lack of success during the offensive of Ukrainian troops on the battlefield, the spokesman pointed out.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, one of Kiev's goal in the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is to ensure water deprivation in Crimea.
"It is clear that this sabotage set as one of the goals to deprive Crimea of water. The water level in the reservoir falls, and, accordingly, the supply to the canal is reduced, dramatically reduced," Peskov told reporters.
Measures have been taken to ensure the water supply of Crimea, there is a margin of safety, the official added.
According to the spokesman, the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant may entails serious consequences for tens of thousands of residents of the region, as well as environmental outcome.
"This sabotage has the potential to have very dire consequences, consequences for several tens of thousands of inhabitants of the region, environmental consequences, and consequences of a different nature, yet to be established," Peskov told reporters.
He stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin receives reports from the Defense Ministry and other authorities in connection with the situation around the power plant.
"Of course, the president receives reports from the Ministry of Defense and other services about what is happening around the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant,' Peskov told reporters.
Moreover, Peskov touched upon the matter of the situation in the Belgorod Region, which has recently been under constant attacks by Ukrainian artillery and saboteur groups. The spokesman said that he was not aware of any possibility of introducing martial law in the region, but measures are being taken to restore order in the Russian regions bordering Ukraine.
"I am not aware of this, there are special services and the military working there. Measures are being taken to restore order," Peskov said, commenting on the military situation in the border areas.