The State of the Environment in the Territories of the Russian Federation: Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Zaporizhia and Kherson Regions During the Special Military Operation, Necessary Measures of Influence, Problems of its Protection and Restoration

In the context of modern military conflicts, the problem of the environmental condition of territories located in combat zones is becoming particularly relevant. The study is devoted to analysing the state of the environment in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson during the special military operation. The aim of the work is to assess the environmental damage inflicted on the natural resources of these territories and to develop proposals for restoring a favourable environment. During the research, data on the pollution of atmospheric air, soils, and water bodies were analysed, as well as on the destruction of natural ecosystems and specially protected natural areas. Particular attention was paid to the consequences of military operations for the region’s flora and fauna. It was found that military operations have caused significant damage to natural resources: exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances in the atmosphere were recorded, large scale destruction of forest areas occurred, and soil contamination was observed. The research results can be used in developing programmes for the restoration of natural complexes and a system of measures to minimise environmental damage in armed conflict zones.