On the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region, employees of the Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova” have not received salaries for four months.
This is reported by pseudo-opposition media, citing appeals from local residents.
According to them, after the liquidation of the reserve carried out by the occupying authorities, employees were forcibly made to write resignation letters, and then — new employment applications, but with salaries halved. Despite this, the arrears for the previous three months have not been paid.
“People are without money, they simply want to be able to feed their families. Many have school-age children who need to be provided for, and school meals are not provided. We no longer know how to survive,” the appeal says.
Locals note that the occupation governor of the Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo, who visited the reserve, promised to resolve the situation and pay the debts. However, as of November 2025 nothing has changed.
Recall, the territory of the Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova” has been occupied since 24 February 2022. In December 2024 the Russians “registered” it under their legislation.
At the end of April 2024 information appeared that the reserve is in a critical condition.
The lawful management of the Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova” confirmed the facts of the removal of the animal collection, losses of Red Book-listed vegetation and the death of animals as a result of panic.