Trees are being planted in a forest in Mykolaiv region where over 150 hectares have been burnt down as a result of the war

In Halytsynove, Mykolaiv region, trees are being planted to reforest an area damaged by fires caused by the war. Photo: NikVesti

In the village of Halytsynove, Mykolaiv region, trees are being planted in a forest where over 160 hectares were burnt during the fighting.

This was reported by a correspondent for NikVesti.

It is noted that the reforestation is being carried out by the state-owned enterprise «Forests of Ukraine». Today, the first Crimean pine and maple saplings were planted on the site. Soldiers from the 123rd Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces, who previously defended these positions, joined in the reforestation effort.

«As for today’s event, it is symbolic. Such initiatives are taking place across the country; we call them «Forests of Remembrance». In every region, there are soldiers, foresters and local residents who stood up to defend the country and preserved it at the cost of their lives and health, notably holding the defence of Mykolaiv. In 2022, the front line ran right through here. The 123rd Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces stood on these front lines and held their positions. You can see the destroyed, burnt forest. That is why it is symbolic today, despite everything, to begin its restoration. All the forests in southern Ukraine that have been damaged by the war will be restored,» said Yurii Bolokhovets, Director General of the state enterprise «Forests of Ukraine».

In 2022, the Halytsynivskyi Forest became a front line where Ukrainian troops defended Mykolaiv. Due to constant Russian shelling, which continued until the liberation of Kherson, 169 hectares of coniferous forest aged between 10 and 50 years were burnt down.

In Halytsynove, Mykolaiv region, trees are being planted following fires caused by the war. Photo: NikVesti

In Halytsynove, Mykolaiv region, trees are being planted to replace those lost in fires caused by the war. Photo: NikVesti

For three years, foresters were unable to work in this area due to heavy mine contamination. It was only after demining in 2024–2025, when sappers surveyed 657 hectares and cleared explosive ordnance, that it became possible to begin forestry work and the planting of new trees.

«To date, active demining and clearance of hazardous objects has been carried out here between 2023 and 2025. Now we can plan and gradually carry out forest restoration work. Seedlings of pine, oak and other forest-forming species are being planted,» said Antonina Chykachova, head of the forest restoration department at the ‘Southern Forest Office’ branch of the state-owned enterprise «Forests of Ukraine».

In Halytsynove, Mykolaiv region, trees are being planted following fires caused by the war. Photo: NikVesti

Currently, due to landmines, it is impossible to survey 29,000 hectares of forest, whilst a further 9,000 hectares on the Kinburn Spit remain under occupation.

Antonina Chykachova also explained that the seedlings undergo special preparation to ensure better survival rates.

«These seedlings contain a clump of peat with minerals and nutrients that help the plant adapt and grow. Protective treatments against diseases are also used, making the plants more resilient to harsh conditions. During dry periods, they have a reserve of moisture and nutrients, which increases their resilience. We expect that in 7–10 years the saplings will reach a height of about one and a half to two metres,» she added.

As a reminder, in 2025, companies submitted hundreds of environmental impact assessment reports, without which it is impossible to launch major infrastructure and industrial projects. In the south of the country, the Odesa region showed the greatest activity, whilst in the Kherson region, due to the war, the number of such initiatives remains minimal.