Keywords: atmospheric pollution, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, statistical distribution

The full-scale Russian invasion has led to numerous changes in atmospheric air conditions. Estimates of average changes in pollutant content often do not allow for the identification of characteristic consequences of warfare due to the overlap of factors with opposing effects. In this study, based on Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite observations for 2019–2024, we analyzed the statistical structure and variability of the total content of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and formaldehyde (HCHO) in the atmospheric air of urbanized areas. Over three years of war, we found a predominant decrease in NO2 and CO levels, an increase in SO2, and mixed changes in HCHO, reflecting both the consequences of industrial destruction and the emergence of additional emissions due to a shift to less ecological fuel types and the operation of diesel generators. Against the background of changes in mean values, the statistical distribution structure remained largely unchanged for NO2 and CO, though with a slight increase in the frequency of positive CO deviations within +1?. SO2 levels showed a decrease in the recurrence of both positive and negative deviations, clearly indicating reduced variability in the atmosphere. HCHO became less variable in the range of large deviations from the mean, with greater recurrence of minor variations close to average values. The obtained results complement the observed changes in the total pollutant content in cities during the full-scale Russian invasion, which is important for fixation the consequences of warfare under conditions of overlapping factors with opposing impacts.

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