Understanding the impact of the war on people-nature relationships in Ukraine

• The on-going russian war in Ukraine disrupts the relationship between people and nature, impacting personal well-being. • The war caused losses in ecosystem services from forests and aquatic ecosystems, affecting physical and emotional well-being. • Private fruit and vegetable gardens have gained increased significance post-de-occupation, offering vital ecosystem services. • Limited urban greenspace has become valuable after de-occupation for recreation and social interaction. • The post-war restoration should focus on on restoring cultural and spiritual connections. This study investigates the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the relationship between people and nature in three settlements in the Kyiv Region that were occupied by Russian forces and later liberated by the Ukrainian Army. Using semi-structured interviews with local inhabitants, we documented the ecosystem services that people relied on before the war and the changes that occurred after deoccupation. The findings reveal a significant reduction in access to essential ecosystem services, exacerbated by new disservices such as flooding and environmental contamination. The study underscores the vital role of cultural ecosystem services, with many respondents expressing deep emotional and spiritual connections to their natural environment. Despite these challenges, private gardens and urban greenspaces have emerged as crucial elements for post-war recovery, fostering reconnection and psychological healing. Post-war restoration strategies should prioritize not only the rehabilitation of ecosystem services but also the restoration of cultural and spiritual ties between people and nature. A forward-looking, community-inclusive approach to ecological restoration will be critical for Ukraine’s recovery, supporting both environmental sustainability and human resilience.