The article by Mr. Ruslan Nimchynskyi, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus
Ukraine is a country of environmental splendor. Its natural resources and large areas of protected green space have been a part of its national identity, and a foundation for its future.
Russia`s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine has not only drastically worsened the security situation in the region, but also had a devastating environmental impact on Ukraine and surrounding areas, which has both immediate and long-term consequences for human health and the ecosystem of the entire region.
The ongoing Russian aggression has led to the massive release of toxic substances, extensive pollution, and the destruction of natural habitats, exacerbating existing environmental challenges. The Russian aggression has pushed Ukraine to the brink of ecological collapse.
The full extent of environmental damage is still difficult to assess. However, even the preliminary estimates are staggering. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has already recorded more than 3,800 cases of environmental damage.
Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, about 25% of Ukraine’s protected areas have been occupied by Russia. This includes about 900 protected sites, 14 of them wetlands of international importance. Such territories suffer from inadequate protection and altered statuses. Numerous credible ecological organisations regularly warn about serious risks from the ongoing hostilities for the protection of endangered species.
According to the available estimates the total cost of documented damages inflicted upon Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion by Russia amounts to 60 billion euros.
Vast areas of Ukraine are contaminated with landmines, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. Hundreds of thousands of square miles of agricultural land are decimated, groundwater contaminated, and nature reserves consumed by fire.
In June 2023, the catastrophic destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam alone killed or displaced hundreds of Ukrainians, limited the availability of water for irrigation and sanitation purposes and increased the risk of a nuclear disaster at the nearby Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
As was estimated, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam alone affected up to 20,000 wild animals, including endemic species.
It is necessary to mention the illegal economic activities that the Russian Federation conducts in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Uncontrolled extraction of mineral resources, deforestation, and implementation of illegal infrastructure projects, in particular, those aimed at the militarisation of the Crimean Peninsula such as the infamous so-called “Kerch Bridge”, constitute a substantial interference in the biosystems and pose a serious risk for their proper functioning.
As the war is still ongoing and Russia’s ecocide increases, detrimental environmental effects for the entire region will only further accumulate.
The war has led to the contamination of agricultural lands. Fertile soils are being polluted with heavy metals and chemicals from military activities, threatening food security and agricultural production vital for both Ukraine’s economy and global food supplies.
The war has severely affected Ukraine’s rich biodiversity, with extensive damage in protected areas like national parks and biosphere reserves. Approximately 600,000 hectares of forest have been damaged, representing about 32% of Ukraine’s total forest area.
Environmental degradation is not just immediate. It poses long-term risks. Contaminants from military operations are expected to have lasting effects on ecosystems, potentially leading to a “toxic legacy” that will endure long after the conflict ends. Landmines and unexploded ordnance complicate recovery efforts, as these hazards can further contaminate land and water sources.
The war’s environmental impacts have direct implications for human health. Polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, while contaminated water supplies increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, compromised agricultural systems can result in food insecurity, exacerbating health problems for vulnerable populations.The environmental risks and damage also extend outside of Ukraine, the world as a whole is directly impacted by this war. The threat of nuclear catastrophe must receive utmost attention, with the urgent need to halt the targeting and military occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The availability and price of food has been affected throughout the world. The war has increased greenhouse gas emissions, while distracting from critical climate goals in Europe and elsewhere.
Ukraine has initiated legal proceedings against Russia for environmental crimes, including over 222 criminal cases related to ecological damage caused by military operations.
This includes efforts to hold Russia responsible for the extensive ecological damage inflicted during the Russian aggression. International support will be crucial for Ukraine’s recovery efforts, as addressing these environmental challenges requires significant resources and long-term commitment from both national and global stakeholders.
The paragraph 8 of the Peace Formula initiated by President Zelenskyy specifically addresses Environmental Security, recognizing that environmental protection is essential for achieving a just and sustainable peace.
Ukraine calls for global collaboration to address environmental damage and establish accountability mechanisms for ecological harm caused by military actions. The Emphasis shall be made on developing plans for ecological restoration as part of post-war recovery efforts, integrating green principles into rebuilding strategies.
The environmental consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine are profound and multifaceted, necessitating urgent attention to mitigate damage and promote recovery in a way that prioritizes ecological integrity.
It is clear that the enormous damage wrought by Russia’s actions will endure for decades and that Ukraine will require both international and intergenerational support to adequately address it.