According to research led by Roberto Cazzolla Gatti at the University of Bologna, the war in Ukraine destroyed nearly 1,600 square kilometers of forests between 2022 and 2023. The study, published in Global Ecology and Conservation, utilized satellite imagery and an artificial intelligence system based on machine learning to quantify forest loss.

The majority of this destruction occurred in conflict-affected regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, and Luhansk oblasts. Fires were identified as the primary cause of forest loss, particularly in areas under Russian control, such as the Kinburn Spit, where uncontrolled blazes destroyed between 20-30% of the area. The environmental consequences include significant damage to biodiversity and ecosystem processes, highlighting the urgent need for post-war ecological policies to address reforestation and ecosystem restoration.

Forest Destruction in Ukraine: A Call for Environmental Action

In 2022 and 2023, Ukraine faced unprecedented forest destruction due to uncontrollable fires exacerbated by conflict. Russian forces obstructed firefighting efforts, leading to widespread damage across multiple regions. Cape Kinburn in Mykolaiv Oblast lost between 20-30% of its forest area, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

A study combining satellite imagery with an AI-based machine learning system revealed significant regional variations in forest loss. Donetsk Oblast lost 180 square kilometers, Kharkiv Oblast lost 181 square kilometers, and Kherson Oblast experienced the highest loss at 214 square kilometers. Kyiv Oblast saw 268 square kilometers destroyed, while Luhansk Oblast lost 195 square kilometers. Fires were identified as the primary cause of destruction, particularly in areas under Russian control.

The ecological consequences extend beyond biodiversity loss, impacting soil quality and water filtration systems. The destruction disrupted local climates and habitats, posing long-term threats to wildlife and communities reliant on these ecosystems. These impacts underscore the urgent need for targeted measures to prevent future losses, including improved firefighting capabilities and early warning systems tailored to conflict zones.

The study emphasizes the importance of environmental policies in post-conflict recovery. Reforestation efforts, ecosystem restoration, and establishing ecological corridors are critical steps toward restoring Ukraine’s natural heritage. These initiatives address immediate environmental challenges and support broader goals of demilitarization and long-term peace.

Fires emerged as the primary cause of forest destruction in Ukraine between 2022 and 2023, significantly impacting various regions. In areas under conflict, particularly where Russian forces hindered firefighting efforts, fires spread uncontrollably, exacerbated by dry conditions and limited resources. This led to extensive damage across multiple oblasts, with specific hotspots like Cape Kinburn in Mykolaiv Oblast losing between 20-30% of its forest area.

The ecological consequences extended beyond biodiversity loss, affecting soil quality and water filtration systems. The destruction disrupted local climates and habitats, posing long-term threats to wildlife and communities reliant on these ecosystems. These impacts underscore the urgent need for targeted measures to prevent future losses, including improved firefighting capabilities and early warning systems tailored to conflict zones.

The study highlights the critical role of environmental policies in post-conflict recovery, emphasizing the need for reforestation efforts, ecosystem restoration, and the establishment of ecological corridors. Such initiatives address immediate environmental challenges and support broader goals of demilitarization and long-term peace. Ukraine can work toward a more sustainable and resilient future by integrating ecological considerations into conflict resolution strategies.