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Abstract

Summary

This study evaluates environmental changes in the Moshchunka River basin in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, following the 2022 military operations. Using Landsat satellite imagery from pre-conflict (2020) and post-conflict (2023) periods, we analyzed vegetation health and hydrological alterations through NDVI and NDWI spectral indices. The results reveal significant changes in both parameters. Vegetation analysis shows a decrease in moderate vegetation health areas from 67.3% to 61.7%, with western sections experiencing the most pronounced vegetation stress. Hydrological assessment indicates increased moisture deficiency with NDWI peak values shifting from −0.23 to −0.27 and greater fragmentation of hydrological patterns. A strong correlation (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) between vegetation degradation and moisture reduction demonstrates the interconnected nature of military impacts on ecosystems. This research contributes to conflict ecology by establishing a methodological framework for remote assessment of post-military landscapes where field studies are challenging. The findings provide crucial baseline information for targeted restoration planning and ecosystem rehabilitation in conflict-affected areas, with potential application to similar post-military watersheds globally.

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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.2025510210
2025-04-14
2026-02-15
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