Water is discharged downstream of the Dnieper from the Kakhovka reservoir to lower the level and volume of water in it and minimize damage in case the HPP is destroyed, said Vladimir Leontyev, head of the Novokakhovsky urban district administration in the Kherson region, RIA Novosti reported.

"The HPP continues to work, although three units are out of order. It has not stopped work for a single day since February 24. During the last week the water discharge was increased, so that in case of negative developments the amount of water, which would gush downstream, would be less. The water level downstream has risen, all the gates are open and the water is being pre-discharged now," Leontyev said.

He noted that the situation in the city, despite the constant shelling, is calm.