[Firebot]

Of note, it's also believed the dam was blown very prematurely if it was used at any sort of military tactic (it really was more of a scorched earth tactic) to deter the counteroffensive. Russian troops were the ones in the area, they had not withdrawn, and there are multiple videos of them scrambling in flooded areas trying to withdraw on Telegram.

The dam was going to be blown up no matter what, as was planned based on Russians ensuring it was as full as possible in recent weeks. If it's to be blown up, its better now before the offensive actually starts occurring in this area where heavy machinery would have been underwater (if it is at all, as it was the most difficult area to do an offensive without a bridgehead).