Ukraine: The United Nations (UN) has accused Russia of continuing to block humanitarian aid deliveries to Moscow-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine that have been impacted by the recent Kakhovka dam rupture.

“The Government of the Russian Federation has so far declined our request to access the areas under its temporary military control,” the UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Ms. Denise Brown, noted in a statement.

According to Ms. Brown, the UN will continue to engage to seek the necessary access.

Ms. Brown urged the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

“The UN will continue to do all it can to reach all people, including those suffering as a result of the recent dam destruction, who urgently need life-saving assistance, no matter where they are,” the UN humanitarian coordinator added.

Recently, officials in the Russian-held areas announced that the death toll from the dam breach had risen to 29, while Kyiv said the number killed in its territory rose to 16, with 31 still missing.

The dam was breached on June 6, unleashing a wave of water from the Dnipro River on communities across southern Ukraine, including Russian-occupied parts of the Kherson region.

The resulting floods caused severe damage to homes and agricultural land, leading to the evacuation of numerous people. Additionally, the incident led to the contamination of drinking water supplies and raised concerns about a potential environmental catastrophe.

In response to the situation, the United Nations called on Russia to fulfil its responsibilities as per international humanitarian law.

Russia has accused Ukraine of being responsible for the dam breach. However, the various allegations made by Russia, such as a missile strike, do not explain the intensity of the explosion, which was significant enough to be detected by seismic monitors in the region.

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