Since the onset of Russia's war in Ukraine, documented by Guardian photographer Alessio Mamo, the conflict has claimed many lives and inflicted profound damage on the environment. Over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, while millions have fled. Forest fires and bombings have devastated over 3 million hectares of forest, with particular concerns for chemical pollution from former battle sites. High-profile acts of sabotage, such as the Kakhovka reservoir explosion, illustrate the war's extensive ecological consequences, leading to the destruction of communities and ecosystems alike.
In June 2023, the Russian military blew up the Kakhovka reservoir to thwart a Ukrainian counter-offensive, leading to significant environmental destruction and human casualties.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 3 million hectares of forest have been affected by Russia's war, revealing a catastrophic impact on Ukraine's ecosystem.
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