Ecosystem degradation in Kharkiv region during the war: satellite analysis
Authors: Krainiuk Olena , Buts Yuriy , Barbashyn Vitalii , Nikitchenko Olga , Sukhov Valerii 
Published: February 2025

Problems Statement and Purpose. The article investigates the degradation of ecosystems in the Kharkiv region due to military actions, specifically in Kupiansk and Izyum districts. The destruction of plant cover and natural landscapes, exacerbated by fires and other war-related damages, poses long-term ecological challenges. The purpose of the study is to assess these impacts through satellite monitoring using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify the most affected areas and plan for their ecological restoration.

Materials and Methods of Research. The research utilizes satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 platform to analyze changes in NDVI values between 2021 and 2024. This methodology allows for the detection of vegetation degradation in the studied areas and employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and visualize the extent of environmental damage. NDVI indices are analyzed for variations over time, providing insights into the effects of military actions on the region's vegetation.

Results. The results of the study indicate a dramatic reduction in NDVI values in the Kupiansk and Izyum districts, particularly in 2022, which coincided with the height of military activities in the region. NDVI values in 2022 showed a 48% decrease compared to 2021, reflecting the extensive loss of vegetation due to forest fires, bombings, and the movement of heavy military equipment, which caused both direct destruction and secondary effects such as soil compaction and erosion. In 2024, some recovery in NDVI values was observed, but these remained significantly lower than pre-war levels, indicating that full ecological recovery has not yet been achieved. The study further identified key ecological hotspots where vegetation loss was most severe, particularly in areas close to conflict zones, such as military bases and frontlines. The analysis showed that forested areas suffered the greatest damage, with significant portions of these ecosystems either destroyed or severely degraded. The GIS-based analysis also revealed a correlation between the intensity of military actions and the degree of vegetation loss, with the most severely affected areas being those that experienced sustained bombardment and heavy combat. The data suggest that the recovery of these areas will require substantial effort, including reforestation, soil remediation, and the implementation of erosion control measures to prevent further degradation.

Conclusions. 1). The war has led to significant environmental damage in the Kharkiv region, with substantial loss of vegetation cover and ecosystem services. 2). The NDVI analysis highlights the most affected areas, showing both the immediate and lingering effects of war on plant cover. 3). Continued monitoring and a comprehensive ecological restoration strategy are necessary to restore the region's natural landscapes, with reforestation and soil recovery being critical components. This study provides a crucial foundation for further research on the ecological impacts of warfare and offers practical recommendations for the restoration of war-torn ecosystems in Ukraine. The findings can be applied to other conflict-affected regions, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to environmental recovery in post-war scenarios.