Environmental Damage in Kherson Region Exceeds 225 Billion Due to War

The environmental losses of the nature reserve fund of Kherson region as a result of hostilities have already exceeded UAH 225 billion.

This was reported by the Nizhnedniprovsky National Nature Park.

As of February 1, 2025, the total environmental damage caused to Ukraine by Russian aggression exceeded USD 70 billion. More than 6,500 environmental crimes have already been recorded, and the largest losses are in the following areas:

• Land resources - USD 27.9 billion: due to shelling and explosions, the land is contaminated with heavy metals, toxins and explosives, making it unusable.
• Atmospheric air - USD 17.7 billion: due to fires, destruction of industrial facilities and explosions, emissions of harmful substances have increased dramatically.
• Forestry - almost USD 26 billion: thousands of hectares of forest have been destroyed by fires and artillery shelling.

The nature reserve fund of the Kherson region, which includes unique ecosystems, has suffered catastrophic losses. Explosions, fires and water pollution are destroying rare species of animals and plants that have been protected for years.

The scale of the environmental disaster requires immediate restoration measures and support from international partners. It may take decades to clean up the soil, restore forests and monitor contaminated areas.

Earlier, ecologists reported that a unique forest of young willow trees covering more than 65,000 hectares was formed at the bottom of the former Kakhovka reservoir. The tallest trees have already reached a height of five meters, demonstrating a record growth rate due to rich black soil and favorable climatic conditions.

On the night of June 6, Russians blew up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. At least 34 people were killed and 28 others were injured. Almost 40 people are missing. People and pets were evacuated from 3 flooded areas.

Int'l correspondent Albina Karman reported on the evacuation of people from the flooded areas.

Ірина Глухова