Russia had means, motive and opportunity to destroy Ukraine dam, drone photos and information show

By MSTYSLAV CHERNOV and LORI HINNANT
Associated Press

BERISLAV, Ukraine (AP) — Exclusive drone photos and information obtained by The Associated Press shows that Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to bring down a Ukrainian dam that collapsed earlier this month while under Russian control. Two officials said Russian troops were stationed in a crucial area inside the Kakhovka Dam where the Ukrainians say the explosion that destroyed it was centered. Images taken from above and shared with the AP also appear to show an explosives-laden car atop the structure. It’s not clear the car ever exploded and any such bomb would not have been powerful enough to bring down the dam. But Ukrainian officials say the photos show the Russians’ intent to rig it, and that they had the access and control to do so.