Assessing the Impact of the Russian Invasion on Crop Production in Ukraine with Open Satellite Data

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in substantial abandonment of fertile croplands due to combat oper ations, particularly along the front line. We used Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to estimate the extent of aban doned croplands on both sides of the front line after the onset of war. We find that at least 14,000 km2 of former cropland have been left uncultivated along the front line as a result of the war, including 8,000 km2 in areas controlled by Ukraine. It will take substantial time and effort to once again fully utilise these abandoned croplands, which are contaminated with countless mines, unexploded ordnance, and artillery craters.