Russian invaders seized the reserve "Askania-Nova". 

The reserve's press service announced this on its Facebook page.

It is noted that on March 20, "the first deputy head of the administration of the President of Russia" arrived at the institution together with a collaborator Saldo and an unknown person in the role of director.

"Thus, the further preservation of the nature protection, scientific research institution of international importance - the Biosphere Reserve "Askania-Nova" cannot be ensured by the Ukrainian administration and is under immediate threat," the message says.

The press service also indicated that the staff continues to perform their duties and provide the necessary care for the collections.

"Until now, despite the occupation of the territory, the lack of current expenses, completely disrupted transport logistics and a critical mass of organizational problems, the institution functioned in the Ukrainian format and carried out the foreseen types and volumes of work. We did everything that depended on us and held out with dignity!"

- the message says.

We will remind, at around 20:00, the General Staff denied its previous statement about the alleged withdrawal of the Russian occupation authorities and military from Novaya Kakhovka, located on the left bank of the Dnieper.

Read also:

• The European Union insists on a conversation between Xi Jinping and Zelensky — mass media

• Xi's visit to Moscow: the Chinese leader warned Putin against the use of nuclear weapons

• Moravetskyi told when the 11th package of sanctions against Russia could be adopted in the EU