THE USE OF WATER AS A WEAPON UNDER INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE DESTRUCTION OF THE NOVA KAKHOVKA DAM

Abstract

The research aim of this article is to identify the international humanitarian law regulations applicable to water resources and water infrastructure as well as to define their character. The connected research questions are: Are such regulations rather protective or allowing the use of water resources and infrastructure as a means of warfare?, Can such objects be attacked or destroyed in any circumstances?, How to legally classify the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam? This article in a comprehensive way examines the legal framework on water resources and infrastructure in international armed conflicts, taking into account the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.