**Russia’s Environmental Assault on Ukraine Continues**
A devastating forest fire has engulfed 85 hectares of land in Kharkiv Oblast, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The blaze is believed to have been triggered by Russian forces’ multiple rocket launcher attacks on the Borivka community.
The inferno has spread to residential buildings, damaging private houses and prompting civilian evacuations near Izium city. This latest environmental disaster comes as Ukraine continues to bear the brunt of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to Olha Yukhymchuk, Ukraine’s deputy minister of environmental protection, the country has suffered over €72.9 billion in environmental damage since the war began. This staggering figure is a result of more than 7,000 recorded environmental crimes, including mine detonations and military strikes that have ravaged Ukraine’s natural ecosystems and wildlife.
**Russian Forces’ Continued Aggression**
The Borivka community was first targeted by Russian forces with multiple rocket launcher attacks, which set the forest ablaze. As the fire raged on, explosives left behind by retreating Russian forces continued to detonate within the burning forest, further complicating firefighting efforts.
Strong gusty winds have made it challenging for firefighters to contain the blaze, but authorities maintain that the situation remains “controlled.” However, this assurance belies the devastating impact of Russia’s aggression on the environment and civilians.
**Civilian Infrastructure Damaged**
Russian forces’ relentless shelling has targeted four settlements and Kupiansk city in Kharkiv Oblast. One man was killed in Borova village, while four women were wounded in Kupiansk. The strikes have also damaged civilian infrastructure across Izium district, including administrative buildings, residential properties, a post office, and an educational facility.
**Investigating War Crimes**
Ukraine is investigating these attacks as potential war crimes, viewing them as deliberate efforts to terrorize the population and undermine morale. On March 3, a Russian drone strike targeted Feldman Ecopark near Kharkiv, killing multiple animals and destroying enclosures in the petting zoo area while damaging nearby civilian homes.
The continued assault on Ukraine’s environment is a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of war. As the international community watches, it’s essential to acknowledge the severity of these crimes and demand accountability from those responsible.
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