The Danube Nature Reserve has calculated the damage caused by the fire: the bill runs into the billions

The fire, which broke out on August 16 as a result of shelling in the Danube Biosphere Reserve in the Odesa region, engulfed 1,072 hectares of unique natural habitat.

According to the State Environmental Inspection of the Southwestern District, the damage to the environment exceeds 14.8 billion hryvnias.

The fire broke out on Bilhorodsky Island, located within the Danube Biosphere Reserve. The shelling caused floodplain vegetation and reeds to catch fire.

The fire engulfed more than 1,000 hectares of floodplain ecosystems, which are vital to the natural balance. They help purify water, absorb carbon dioxide, and serve as a habitat for many species of birds, fish, and other animals.

The scale of the fire caused significant air pollution. According to the environmental inspection agency, nearly 800,000 metric tons of combustion byproducts were released into the atmosphere as a result of the fire, including more than 764 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Experts estimated the total damage to the environment at over 14.8 billion hryvnias.

All collected materials and calculations were submitted to the Operational Headquarters of the State Environmental Inspection of Ukraine. They will be used to document the consequences of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the damage it has caused to the environment.

Андрій Колісніченко