Kherson residents "changed their minds" about rebuilding Kakhovskaya HPP: what they propose to build instead of it

This is evidenced by the results of an online survey conducted by the Kherson Community Foundation "Defence" on the basis of respondents from the Kherson community.

According to the results of the survey, the environmental consequences of the disaster are the most alarming. The destruction of the Lower Dnieper ecosystem is considered the most tragic by 76% of participants. Among the direct negative consequences for people Kherson residents most often name destruction of dacha plots (50%) and psychological stress (44%).

43% of respondents are convinced that it will take at least ten years to fully eliminate the consequences of the disaster. Only 4% claim that they no longer feel its impact.

The issue of HPP restoration caused a cardinal change of views. The idea of complete restoration of the plant has been replaced by the concept of building new hydraulic structures capable of avoiding large-scale flooding. At the same time, the majority of Kherson residents support the idea of turning the former Kakhovka reservoir into a nature reserve zone (53%). These initiatives are often perceived not as alternative, but as complementary.

Half of the respondents believe it is necessary to expand the nature reserve fund in Kherson Oblast, especially in the affected or mined areas. At the same time, 86% are concerned about the condition of the bottom of the former reservoir, and 80% believe that the state provides insufficient information about the consequences of the destruction of the hydropower plant. Also 81% of respondents said there was a lack of openness in discussing the future of the liberated territories.

The poll was conducted between 20 and 30 May 2025, with 400 participants. The margin of error is no more than 5 per cent.