Forest ecosystems of Donbass in the conditions of military operations 2014–2025

The paper considers the issues of large-scale destruction of forest ecosystems of Donbass in the period 2014–2025. A comparative analysis of the data revealed a sharp contrast: before 2014, the fire situation was six times more stable, and the fire area was 1,64 times smaller than in subsequent years. The greatest losses of forest areas were recorded in areas directly affected by military operations or located in the zone of their indirect influence. Field studies and desk data processing clearly indicate the critical state of the forest ecosystems of Donbass, which have been devastated by the fighting (score IV–V points, which corresponds to dangerous violations in the range from 0,077 to 0,095). During the study of morphological parameters of plants (Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L. and Fraxinus excelsior L.), characteristic signs indicating the presence of damage caused by anthropogenic factors were recorded. Traces of chemical burns were found on the leaves, which manifest themselves in the form of changes in texture and color, which is direct evidence of the intense effects of chemicals formed during shell bursts. The identified foci of the most significant changes in forests provide important information for developing strategies for managing forest resources and restoring affected ecosystems.