Russia destroyed or damaged at least 210,000 buildings in Ukraine - NYT

The New York Times reports.

The journalists claim to have analyzed every building affected by the war in Ukraine. 

"We've reviewed every structure across Ukraine that has suffered damage or destruction since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. A staggering 210,000 buildings are impacted, spanning an uneven frontline stretching 800 miles and beyond," the article reveals.

The NYT underscores that even if the war ends tomorrow, many cities would remain uninhabitable.

"Few countries since World War II have experienced this level of devastation. But it’s been impossible for anybody to see more than glimpses of it. It’s too vast. Every battle, every bombing, every missile strike, every house burned down, has left its mark across multiple front lines, back and forth over more than two years," emphasizes the NYT.

Parts of Ukraine, hundreds of miles apart, resemble the devastation seen in Dresden or London after World War II, or Gaza after six months of bombing, the journalists observe.

Despite the protection guaranteed by the Geneva Conventions, over 900 Ukrainian schools, hospitals, and churches have been destroyed or damaged, according to the NYT analysis.

The article underscores that the actual destruction might be more extensive. "These estimates are conservative. They do not cover Crimea or parts of eastern Ukraine where accurate data wasn't available. The true scope of destruction is likely even larger— and it's still growing," the article stresses.

• Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has destroyed or damaged 1,062 cultural heritage sites. Among the damaged or destroyed monuments, 123 are of national importance, 864 are of local importance, and 75 are newly discovered cultural heritage sites.