The Kreminski Forests National Park in the Luhansk region has been virtually destroyed as a result of the fighting. Established in 2019, this park was the region’s only national park and one of the largest forest areas in eastern Ukraine.
The Kreminski Forests were a unique natural phenomenon. It was an island of boreal forests in the middle of the steppe zone, formed at the confluence of the Sivirski Donets, Zherebets, and Krasna rivers. The ecosystem was characterized by high biodiversity and served as a refuge for rare species of animals and plants.
Historically, the Russian desman—an aquatic mammal described as Critically Endangered by the IUCN—inhabited this area. The species disappeared as early as the second half of the 20th century, though conditions for its reintroduction remained. Full-scale war destroyed these natural conditions for reintroduction as well. The forests were also home to the steppe polecat, ermine, white-tailed eagle and other rare species.
After the invasion began, both the Serebrianski Forest District and the Kreminski Forests experienced intense fighting. In 2025, the area was occupied by Russian troops, and a front line was established directly in the forest. Large-scale shelling, fires and the construction of fortifications destroyed forest ecosystems and the soil layer.
Today, the territory of the Kreminski Forests National Park is controlled by the occupation administration. The remaining forest areas are being cleared for defensive structures and economic needs. According to experts, it is no longer possible to restore the former ecosystem. Over time, nature will form new natural communities, but these will be different forests and a different regional ecology.