Occupiers seize Ukrainian nature reserve Askania Nova

The Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve in Kherson Region has been seized by Russians, the press service of the reserve has said in a statement on its Facebook page. This was reported in a statement by the press service of the reserve on its Facebook page.

It is reported that on March 20, "the first deputy head of the presidential administration of Russia" arrived on the territory of the reserve together with a collaborator Saldo and an unknown person in the role of the director.

Thus, the further preservation of the nature protection, research institution of international importance - Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve - cannot be ensured by the Ukrainian administration and is under immediate threat," the statement said.

The report says that until then, despite the occupation of the territory, completely disrupted transport logistics and a critical mass of organizational problems, the institution was functioning in the Ukrainian format and was carrying out the envisaged types and amount of work.

Charitable donations from the controlled territories of Ukraine, the EU and the USA covered all the immediate needs and running costs for fodder, fuel and lubricants, veterinary drugs, building materials and other items necessary for the life support and maintenance of the zoo and arboretum. We did our best and we survived with dignity! We cannot provide further support to the reserve at the expense of charity proceeds until the liberation of the left-bank part of Kherson region from the Russian occupation, - the press-service stressed.

The Reserve notes that for the time being the staff continues to perform their duties and take the necessary care of the collections.

The press service of the reserve called for material assistance to the workers who refused to cooperate with the Russian invaders.

This help will be no less important, as the subsequent restoration of the reserve after liberation will depend on these people. We believe in change and prepare for Askania Nova's return to Ukrainian control! - the message says.