Russian aggression destroys 25% of Ukraine’s biodiversity, forces 10 national parks to cease operations

The Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine reported this, Ukrinform says. The Ukrainian delegation focused its address, in particular, on the large-scale consequences of Russia’s armed aggression for Ukraine’s natural environment. “According to data presented by the Ukrainian side, 25% of Ukraine’s biodiversity has already been destroyed as a result of Russian aggression. Some 2.9 million hectares of protected areas of national and international importance, as well as hundreds of plant and animal species, are under threat. Ten national nature parks, eight nature reserves and two biosphere reserves have ceased operations. The damage to Ukraine’s biodiversity is estimated at more than $6 trillion,” the statement said.