The ongoing war in Ukraine has devastated not only the lives of its people but also the country’s wildlife. The conflict has turned peaceful fields, forests, and nature reserves into deadly traps for animals, with mines and explosions taking a heavy toll on the region’s biodiversity.
Wildlife Caught in the Crossfire
While most wild animals suffer the consequences of shellings and explosions, landmines pose an even greater threat. Areas heavily mined by Russian forces become perilous for animals, leading to tragic accidents. In some regions, such as Polissia and the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, traces of war remain long after the fighting ends. Experts warn that unexploded WWII-era shells and modern landmines could continue to harm wildlife for decades.
The Harrowing Stories of Animals
One of the most heart-wrenching stories involves a cat named Chucha, who became a victim of a cruel Russian tactic in 2017. Russian soldiers attached a tripwire mine to her, hoping to cause harm. Thankfully, Ukrainian soldiers discovered her while clearing the area and managed to remove the mine. Chucha made a full recovery and was saved from the horrors of war.
Other animals, however, haven’t been so lucky. In a recent incident, a rare Przewalski’s horse in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone tragically died after stepping on a landmine. It was found by border guards patrolling the area with drones. Similarly, a newborn moose calf was left orphaned after its mother was killed by a landmine. Despite efforts to save it, the calf did not survive.
Landmines: A Lingering Threat
Ukraine now faces a massive challenge, with over 174,000 square kilometers of its land contaminated by landmines due to the war. Animals often wander into these deadly zones, driven by hunger or fear, and many pay the ultimate price. The destruction of wildlife habitats and the loss of biodiversity are becoming significant environmental issues, as species are killed, displaced, or left struggling to survive.
A Call for Action
The war in Ukraine isn’t just a human tragedy—it’s also a crisis for the environment and wildlife. The ongoing threat of landmines and the destruction of habitats are causing irreversible damage to Ukraine’s biodiversity. As Ruslan Strilets, Ukraine’s Minister of Environmental Protection, says, “Biodiversity is dying.” Without immediate action to clear mines and protect wildlife, these effects will be felt for generations to come.
The survival of Ukraine’s wildlife depends on continued efforts to remove landmines and protect the natural habitats that animals rely on. This is a reminder that the consequences of war extend far beyond human lives, affecting all living creatures who share this world.
