Before and now: Images of devastated Ukrainian cities are shocking

Over four years of Russia's full-scale war, Ukrainian cities have been transformed beyond recognition, with extensive destruction impacting residential areas, industrial zones, and public infrastructure. Many areas that once housed thousands have been reduced to near-uninhabited ruins.

Comparisons of pre-war imagery with current conditions reveal the profound impact of the conflict. The Ukrainian government, World Bank Group, European Commission, and United Nations estimate that direct war damage in Ukraine will surpass $195 billion (166 billion euros) by the end of 2025. Approximately 14% of the nation's housing stock has been damaged or destroyed. Reconstruction needs over the next decade are projected to be nearly $588 billion (over 500 billion euros).

While a definitive list of the most destroyed cities is difficult to compile due to varying assessment methods and ongoing conflict, satellite imagery and official data highlight particularly devastated locations. These include Mariupol, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Marinka, Vuhledar, Popasna, Volnovakha, and Soledar, among others. The damage is especially severe in the eastern and southeastern regions, which have been frontline areas, but major cities and their infrastructure across the country have also suffered significant harm.

This article was prepared as part of the "The Eastern Frontier Initiative" (TEFI), a collaborative project involving independent media from Central and Eastern Europe. TEFI aims to foster a unified approach and cooperation on European security issues in the region, promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening European democracy. The project receives partial funding from the European Union, but the views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the EU or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).