“ The canal flows from Kakhovka Reservoir, whose control Russia can lose if they are pushed out of Kherson. Ukraine could shut it down….”
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Ukraine could shut it down if the retook TOTAL control of Kherson Oblast INCLUDING THE AREAS ON THE LEFT BANK (EAST) SIDE OF THE DNIEPER. Russia is apparently only withdrawing from areas of Kherson on the right bank side of the river.
If entry point of canal is blocked, water won’t flow. May not require total control, only up to the area surrounding the other side of dam. I know crossing the dam bridge and secure the entry point is not easy. But they will try to cross it anyway. So Russia may have to worry about it if it is under all manner of constant Ukrainian attacks.