Photo: UNN
Russian forces’ military actions in southern Ukraine have effectively destroyed the Kinburn Spit and the Askania-Nova nature reserve, according to Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.
Speaking on national television, Pletenchuk said environmental experts have been sounding the alarm and urged that the issue receive more public attention.
“The Kinburn Spit has been practically destroyed. The same goes for the Askania-Nova reserve… Environmentalists have been reaching out, asking to raise awareness because this topic isn’t widely covered,” he said.
According to Pletenchuk, it is currently impossible to say whether or when the Kinburn Spit can recover.
He added that combat activity around Crimea has also harmed local flora and fauna:
“Fighting near Crimea affects both plants and animals. Environmentalists report thousands of dead dolphins — they are highly sensitive to explosions and disturbances in the area,” he explained.
Environmental groups from Odesa have also reported oil slicks reaching the coastline, though they note the pollution there is far smaller in scale than in Russian-occupied Crimea.
