Russian Military Personnel Settle in UNESCO Heritage Site
Russian military personnel have settled in areas designated as UNESCO heritage sites, including the territories of the Askania-Nova village community. According to the head of the military administration of the village, Ivan Dudar, some Russian troops have covertly settled among the civilian population after entry into these areas was prohibited and then removed by Ukrainian forces.
The Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve has been under occupation since February 24, 2022, with the illegitimate director Dmitry Meshcheryakov accused of cooperating with the occupiers. Meshcheryakov had previously announced plans to transfer the reserve to Russian federal ownership, raising concerns about the preservation of this critical heritage site.
