The director of the Askania-Nova reserve, Viktor Shapoval, denied the statement by the head of the Kherson regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, that the reserve no longer actually exists. According to the director, these words are taken out of context and are an exaggeration. He said this in a commentary to Suspilne, reports Komersant ukrainskyi
The official stressed that the reserve is being destroyed, but not yet destroyed.
“This is an ongoing process, but not a fait accompli. To date, 20 animals have been taken to Russia and the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. Some animals died due to neglect, lack of qualified scientific support and veterinary care. A significant part of the protected steppe – more than 2000 hectares – was burnt out as a result of fires of various kinds,”
– said the director of the reserve.
According to him, these facts are being recorded by a special commission under the Kherson Regional Military Administration and the State Environmental Inspectorate. A number of criminal proceedings have already been opened.
“There are facts of significant damage caused by Russia’s armed aggression and occupation. The fact of destruction of the reserve is not,”
– Shapoval added.
For more information about the animals that Ukraine is losing while Askania-Nova is under occupation, read Lost treasures of Askania-Nova: what unique species of animals were taken out of the Ukrainian reserve by the occupiers.