UA
  • News
  • Popular
  • Search
  • Apps
download white apps
Download

Russian-appointed director of Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve charged with transferring rare animals to Russia

www.pravda.com.ua
Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:59:56 +0200
Russian-appointed director of Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve charged with transferring rare animals to Russia

The so-called director of the occupied Askaniia-Nova Ukrainian nature reserve has been charged with violating the laws and customs of war. Law enforcement officials allege that he transferred rare animals worth over UAH 22 million (US$536,585) to Russia. This marks the first case of suspicion of committing a war crime against a nature reserve.

Source:the Prosecutor General’s Office; Kherson Oblast Prosecutor’s Office

The Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve, Europe’s largest steppe reserve, is part of UNESCO’s international network of biosphere reserves and is also protected from plunder under the Hague Convention.

Law enforcement officers say that the territory of the reserve has been under temporary Russian occupation since 24 February 2022. In March 2023, the occupying authorities of Kherson Oblast established de facto control over Askaniia-Nova.

The Prosecutor General’s Office notes that at that time, Russia registered the reserve as a legal entity and appointed a so-called director. 

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that the new "leader" of Askaniia-Nova conspired with representatives of the Rostov reserve and the Living Nature of the Steppe association (both in Russia – ed.). 

Subsequently, the so-called director transferred rare and endangered species from the Ukrainian reserve to Russian territory.

Read also: Russians plan to abduct another group of animals from occupied Ukrainian reserve Askaniia-Nova

In particular, two individuals of the following species each were stolen:

  • Chapman’s zebras;
  • American bison
  • David's deer;
  • Przewalski's horse, a species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine

Law enforcement estimates show that the "director" of the reserve caused damage exceeding UAH 22 million (US$536,585).

The man has been served with a notice of suspicion for violating the laws and customs of war, committed in conspiracy with a group of individuals – under Article 28.2, Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Read also: Russia creates illusion of tourism in occupied Askaniia-Nova reserve by conducting staged tours

Quote:"The illegal transfer of animals by the so-called director of the reserve constitutes a war crime of plundering and a violation of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians, as well as Articles 28 and 56 of the Fourth Hague Convention on the laws and customs of war on land," the Prosecutor General's Office added.

The so-called director faces up to 12 years in prison for plundering the reserve. Law enforcement is also identifying other participants in the crime.

Read also:"They kill animals and brag about it": animal rights activists post new photo-evidence of Russia's ecocide in Ukraine

Background:

  • Earlier, Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, stated that Russia has been destroying the Askaniia-Nova biosphere reserve, with animals being moved to Crimea and the territory of the aggressor country.
  • At the same time, the reserve’s director, Viktor Shapoval, noted that it is too early to speak of the complete destruction of Askaniia-Nova.

Support UP or become our patron !

Read in full

Latest news

Suspect arrested over murder of former Ukrainian politician, Zelenskyy says
Suspect arrested over murder of former Ukrainian politician, Zelenskyy says
Ukraines president says necessary investigative actions ongoing after killing of former parliamentary speaker Andriy ParubiyA suspect has been arrested in the murder of former Ukrainian parliame...
www.theguardian.com
Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:10:20 +0300
Zelenskyy points out that Trump's "two weeks" given to Russia are almost up
Zelenskyy points out that Trump's "two weeks" given to Russia are almost up
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recalled that two weeks ago, US President Donald Trump gave Russia two weeks to show readiness for real negotiations.Source Zelenskyy in his addressQu...
www.pravda.com.ua
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 20:43:23 +0300
Putin persists, Trump dithers – and a just peace for Ukraine still seems a long way off | Olga Chyzh
Putin persists, Trump dithers – and a just peace for Ukraine still seems a long way off | Olga Chyzh
The US president could embrace the role of peacemaker, or become the patsy who restored Russias imperial standingThe past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity billed as progress in the Russia-...
www.theguardian.com
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 20:20:26 +0300
Ukrainian volunteer warns new Russian offensive is imminent
Ukrainian volunteer warns new Russian offensive is imminent
On her Telegram page, she wrote There is information that the Russians will launch a serious offensive in the coming days.Berlinska urged citizens to stay calm and do what they can to support th...
global.espreso.tv
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:57:00 +0300
Winter Squash Juice with Lemon
Winter Squash Juice with Lemon
This delightful recipe for winter squash juice infused with lemon is a perfect way to preserve the vibrant flavors of autumn for the colder months. By combining the natural sweetness of squash with...
toastpad.com
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:45:16 +0300
Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injure six, including child
Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injure six, including child
Six civilians, including an -year-old boy, were injured in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sunday August.Source Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administratio...
www.pravda.com.ua
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:35:03 +0300
Putin can be forced to peace only by force - Brekelmans calls for increased pressure on Russia
Putin can be forced to peace only by force - Brekelmans calls for increased pressure on Russia
Increased pressure on Russia from the European Union is crucial to forcing Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to end his aggression against Ukraine.
censor.net
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:35:00 +0300
Modi and Erdogan to talk to Putin about ending war in Ukraine at Shanghai summit - media
Modi and Erdogan to talk to Putin about ending war in Ukraine at Shanghai summit - media
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Erdogan intend to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO summit to...
censor.net
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:21:00 +0300
Five people were injured as result of Russian strikes on Dnipropetrovsk region, - RMA. PHOTOS
Five people were injured as result of Russian strikes on Dnipropetrovsk region, - RMA. PHOTOS
During the day, the enemy attacked Dnipropetrovsk region with various types of weapons, people were injured.
censor.net
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:08:00 +0300
Russia upskills at modern warfare in 3.5 years, remains far weaker than expected, says Australian general
Russia upskills at modern warfare in 3.5 years, remains far weaker than expected, says Australian general
Russian aggression is being studied by many countries, general staffs, and military analysts. What is happening now in connection with Russias aggression against Ukraine It is possible that the e...
global.espreso.tv
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:07:00 +0300
додати ще новини more news

Top news

Over 20 Russian troops killed in friendly fire incident in Ukraine’s Kherson region
Over 20 Russian troops killed in friendly fire incident in Ukraine’s Kherson region
Massive fire at Balashikha chemical plant in Moscow region covers city in smoke
"We will not allow it." Hungary publicly challenged Ukraine
Jude Law debuts portrayal of Vladimir Putin in 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' at Venice Film Festival
Trump is considering a strange new plan for Ukraine and Russia
Chemical plant warehouses are burning near Moscow, and in Sochi there is a traffic collapse
Air Defense announced the results of repelling a new Russian attack
Occupiers went to sleep and woke up in hell: drones of Third Assault Brigade hit tent with Russian infantry. VIDEO
Zelenskyy points out that Trump's "two weeks" given to Russia are almost up
If Ukraine surrenders tomorrow, it will be another country’s turn day after that, and then ours, - Merz
Neptunes attack on Crimea. Ukraine hits 6 Russian boats
War in Ukraine may last long, troop deployment not on the table – Germany's Merz
Aviation expert named the key advantage of the Flamingo missile
Why Putin really flew to Xi — an expert's explanation
Air Defense Forces work on Russian drones in Kyiv region
  • About us
  • Contacts
  • Rules of use
  • Apps