"Visible Scars: Ukraine's Artillery Battle Leaves a Mark Seen from Space"

The war in Ukraine has resulted in the abandonment of 5.2-6.9 million acres of prime farmland, representing 6.5-8.5% of Ukraine's total cropland, due to artillery fire and the presence of landmines. The abandoned fields, visible from space, have already cost Ukraine around $2 billion in lost crops and are expected to hinder agricultural output for years to come. The heavy use of artillery in the conflict, due to the absence of air superiority, has resulted in shells landing randomly in rural areas, posing long-term risks from unexploded ordnance and toxic pollution. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian farmers have shown resilience and continue to produce crops, with a shift towards oilseed crops due to ease of cultivation and export.