\”The level of devastation experienced by only a few countries since World War II is unparalleled. The vastness of the destruction in Ukraine has made it impossible for anyone to fully comprehend. Over the span of more than two years, every battle, bombing, missile strike, and burned-down house has left its mark on multiple front lines. This is the first comprehensive overview of the Ukraine war, detailing the extent of the destruction. Through meticulous analysis of years of satellite data, a detailed record has been created of every town, street, and building that has been destroyed.
The scale of the destruction is staggering. More buildings have been leveled in Ukraine than if every building in Manhattan were demolished four times over. Parts of Ukraine now resemble the bombed-out cities of Dresden and London after World War II, or Gaza after months of bombardment. The estimates presented here are conservative, as they do not include Crimea or parts of western Ukraine where accurate data was unavailable.
The analysis reveals that over 900 schools, hospitals, churches, and other protected institutions have been damaged or destroyed, in violation of the Geneva Conventions. The destruction has been caused by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with devastating impacts on both sides. The true extent of the damage is likely even greater than what has been documented, and it continues to grow.
Marinka, a small town in eastern Ukraine, serves as a poignant example of the war’s devastation. Once a flourishing community with a rich history, Marinka has been reduced to ruins. Landmarks such as schools, churches, factories, and administrative buildings have been destroyed, erasing centuries of heritage and leaving residents feeling lost and displaced.
The story of Marinka reflects the broader narrative of the war, highlighting the impact on communities, families, and individuals. The town’s history of resilience and transformation, from a farming hamlet to a bustling suburb, mirrors the larger changes that have swept across Ukraine over the decades. Through the personal accounts of residents like Iryna Hrushkovksa and Hanna Horban, we get a glimpse of the deep emotional toll of the war and the longing for a lost way of life.
The destruction of Marinka is a symbol of the larger tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of communities in the face of unimaginable loss.\”