The devastation in Ukraine since World War II is unprecedented, with destruction spanning multiple front lines over two years. The scale of destruction is unimaginable, with more buildings destroyed in Ukraine than in Manhattan four times over.
This analysis provides a comprehensive view of the war in Ukraine, using satellite data to track the destruction of towns, streets, and buildings. The impact is comparable to post-World War II cities like Dresden or London.
Working with remote sensing scientists, The New York Times estimates that over 900 schools, hospitals, churches, and other protected sites have been damaged or destroyed. The true extent of the destruction is likely even greater.
The devastation is not limited to one side, as both Ukrainian and Russian forces have caused significant damage. The destruction in Russian-held areas is overshadowed by the devastation seen in Ukraine.
The analysis does not include all affected areas, indicating that the actual destruction is likely higher. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with recent bombings erasing entire streets in northeastern Ukraine.
The Kremlin declined to comment on the findings, redirecting inquiries to Russia’s Defense Ministry, which remained silent.
Source: InSar data by Jamon Van Den Hoek and Corey Scher, building footprints by OpenStreetMap. Satellite images by Maxar Technologies via Google, June 2023
The New York Times
2024-06-03 17:40:33
Link from www.nytimes.com