Massive deforestation on the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia

Problems

• Since the beginning of the war, the Russians have cleared hectares of forest for commercial gain or to strengthen their defensive positions. Satellite images show swathes of former forests left bare by the invasion.
  
  Since the beginning of the occupation, Russian enterprises have organized logging in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and other temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine. At the same time, entrepreneurs carry out uncontrolled barbaric cutting of forest plantations, which, if it continues, will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences for the environment. Most of the forests in this region are of artificial origin and they were specially created to protect against wind, soil, and water erosion, performing the function of recreational and forest reclamation plantations.
  
  The State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine said it had launched an investigation into the hijacking by Russian troops and collaborators in the northern region of Kharkiv. The State Forest Agency of Ukraine separately reports that the Russians and those who cooperate with them, including the new Kremlin-appointed local authorities in the east of the country, are constantly cutting wood in different parts of the country.
  
  The State Forest Agency of Ukraine stated that it had identified examples of illegal logging in the Kyiv region and the northern regions of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, occupied by Russia at the beginning of the war. Among the felled trees are oak, pine, hornbeam, and ash. Such a tree has a variety of uses, including construction and furniture making. The DBR of Ukraine has been arrested and charged with treason several former forestry officials who are suspected of helping to harvest timber for Russia in the Kharkiv region. In one case, a Russian military leader appointed a new director of a local state-owned forestry enterprise and ordered them to organize regular deliveries of timber, the DBR said.
  
  In some eastern regions of Ukraine that are under Russian control, new local authorities have taken over former state forestries and are openly selling timber on social media sites like Telegram, said Brian Milakovsky, a researcher who has studied the impact of the war on Ukrainian forestry.

• Impact on the ecology of Ukraine of mass deforestation in the territories occupied by Russia

  Of serious concern is the situation with deforestation in Ukraine in the territories occupied by Russia. Russia's military actions in Ukraine have resulted in significant environmental damage, including deforestation, which could have long-term consequences for the ecosystem and the people who depend on it.
  
  Illegal logging is rampant in Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, according to reports. The forests in these areas are used as a source of income. The timber is shipped to Russia. This has resulted in the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat, as well as the loss of income for local communities that depend on the forest for their livelihoods.
  
  The Ukrainian government and international organizations are working to address the problem of deforestation in the region, but progress has been slow due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine. In addition, the illegal nature of logging activities and the lack of law enforcement agencies in the occupied territories make it difficult to control the problem.
  
  It is extremely important to solve the problem of deforestation in Ukraine for the sake of the environment. Steps need to be taken to bring to justice those responsible for illegal logging.
  
  Uncontrolled barbaric felling of forest stands is being carried out, which, if it continues, will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences for the environment.

• Monitoring of forest lands in Ukraine with the help of satellite images.

  Satellite imagery of areas highlighted by a former forestry official, provided by Maxar Technologies, appears to show extensive clearing since the Russian invasion. Satellite images with a year difference show a significant difference in forest plantations in the Tauride Forest of the Kherson region. Maxar satellite imagery of Kherson Oblast / WSJ Andrew Guild, UK forestry consultant, said the photographs indicate loggers are focusing on specific areas of possibly higher-value timber in managed forests, including oak and pine, rather than just destroying the entire area of wood.