Russia ‘had means, motive and opportunity to destroy Ukraine dam’

FILE – Water flows over the collapsed Kakhovka dam in Nova Kakhovka, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Thousands of people are believed to be trapped by floodwaters spread across a swath of Ukraine after a catastrophic dam collapse. (AP Photo, File)

Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to bring down a Ukrainian dam that collapsed earlier this month while under Russian control, according to exclusive drone photos and information obtained by the Associated Press.

Two officials said Russian troops were in a crucial area inside the Kakhovka dam where the Ukrainians say the explosion that destroyed it was centred. Images taken from above and shared with AP also appear to show an explosives-laden car on the structure.