Ukrainian military expert and retired colonel Vladyslav Selezniov, former spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2014–2017), said on Espreso TV.“The strikes on the dam near Belgorod are a practical, tactical step. By damaging this structure, we’re flooding Russian trenches densely dug around Beznlyudovka, Novaya Tavolzhanka, and Grakhovka. Anyone can check the map — these settlements lie in the floodplain of the Oskil River, which is dammed at the Belgorod reservoir,” Selezniov explained.He noted that the flooding is gradual and poses no danger to civilians.“But for the troops stationed there, it’s a real problem — and we already have plenty of photos and videos confirming it. The devil, as always, is in the details. Before the war, I visited this area and walked across the bridge just below the dam. I’ve seen the scale of that structure and the reservoir. If the water keeps flowing out, the Russians will face serious difficulties near Vovchansk — the Oskil River will eventually flood not only their trenches, bunkers, and fortifications but also destroy the crossings they rely on for logistics toward Vovchansk and Lyptsi,” he said.Selezniov called it an example of Ukraine’s effective use of available resources.“This creates serious logistical problems for Russian forces — and I’m sure more is coming. What awaits Russian troops cut off by the Siverskyi Donets River remains to be seen, but it’s clear they’ll face tough conditions, especially with the onset of cold weather,” he concluded.On October 26, 2025, Ukraine’s 14th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems carried out strikes on the dam of the Belgorod reservoir located on the territory of the aggressor state.