The Russian occupiers continue to commit their atrocities. They have turned Dzharylhach Island into a training ground and are committing ecocide.

This is stated in the operational report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of the evening of 17 June.

"The Russian occupiers continue to commit ecocide on Dzharylhach Island, where they have set up a training ground and are conducting training activities for mobilised people, including firing artillery units," the statement said.

As you know, the occupiers are actively militarising Dzharylhach Island in the Kherson region. A few days ago, they connected this protected island to the mainland of Ukraine with a sandy embankment.

The invaders deployed about 300 occupants and 15 boats stolen from local residents on the island.

Dzharylhach is an island in the Karkinit Bay of the Black Sea. It is the largest island in Ukraine and the Black Sea. Administratively, it belongs to Skadovsk district of Kherson region. The entire territory of the island and part of the adjacent water area is part of the Dzharylhach National Nature Park.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the Russian occupiers committed another serious crime by connecting a protected island with the occupied part of the Kherson region. Near the village of Lazurne, they covered the ferry to the island with sand and created a training ground there.

The consequences of the occupiers' actions will be catastrophic for the Red Book animals on the island, as well as for the bay, which will turn into a swamp.

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