Urban trees and greenspaces are often damaged in military conflicts. This study examines the current extent of damage caused by war to urban trees and greenspaces in Ukraine, focusing on the consequences to the well-being of residents, and providing considerations for urban forest reconstruction. Urban trees produce a variety of benefits, including habitat for wildlife, reduction of energy use, improvement in physical and mental health of citizens, and an increased sense of community. Past research has shown the association of city trees with (a) lower incidence of under-weight newborns, (b) lower rates of death from cardiovascular disease, (c) reduced deaths during excessive heat events, and (d) improved psychological health. We estimate war-caused changes to urban green space in Ukraine using satellite-based indicators. Within seven cities in eastern Ukraine nearly destroyed by spring 2022, at least 13% of areas predominantly vegetated in 2021 had declined in greenness by 20% or more by the summers of 2022 and 2023. Finally, we briefly summarize five factors that should be considered when reconstruction of war-damaged urban forests and greenspaces is attempted. These include (1) the residents' desire to have their original environment restored; (2) the unavailability of nursery stock for replanting immediately after the war; (3) the impacts of bombing on soil; (4) the importance of engaging local residents in replanting efforts; and (5) the psychological value of saving some damaged trees as survivors of the war.

While in recent times a considerable amount of research has addressed World War I's impact on France's archaeological heritage, the effects of the battles waged on French soil during World War II have garnered only limited attention, and the few studies that exist have essentially dealt with the damage done in urban contexts. These observations prompt several questions. How did the destruction of archaeological heritage wrought by the war occur, and where did it occur? What kinds of archaeological sites were affected? Did the destruction have an impact on post-war archaeological research? This essay attempts to offer a global assessment and focuses on both Allied bombings and the construction of the French (Maginot Line) and German (Atlantic Wall) defensive positions.