Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine has caused unprecedented destruction of the natural environment, the devastation of ecosystems, and widespread pollution of air, soil, and water resources.
According to the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the total damage to the environment amounts to 6.01 trillion hryvnias, the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture reports.
According to the State Environmental Inspectorate’s calculations, the total damage includes:
- 1.29 trillion UAH — damage to soils
- 967 billion UAH — damage to atmospheric air
- 117.8 billion UAH — pollution and contamination of water resources
- 3.63 trillion UAH — destruction of protected natural areas
It is noted that some of the most destructive incidents are fires at oil depots. In addition, Russian missile strikes on ammonia and nitric acid storage tanks cause hazardous chemical emissions.
Explosions, fires, and chemical substances alter the structure of Ukrainian soils, reduce fertility, and lead to the accumulation of heavy metals and toxic compounds.
“Elevated levels of copper, lead, nickel, combustion byproducts, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds are recorded in the soils. This affects the quality of agricultural products, human health, and ecosystem recovery,” the statement says.
The destruction of hydraulic structures also has long-term consequences. The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam in 2023 caused a large-scale ecological and hydrological collapse in southern Ukraine and the Black Sea region. Natural complexes were destroyed, hydrology was altered, and protected areas were affected. Similar consequences followed the destruction of the Oskil Reservoir dam, where 76% of the water volume was lost and the aquatic ecosystem was destroyed.
Overall, 20% of Ukraine’s protected areas have been affected by the war, including 2.9 million hectares of the Emerald Network. Significant damage was inflicted on areas such as Kinburn Spit, Oleshky Sands, Kakhovka Reservoir, the Lower Dnipro, dozens of Ramsar sites, and other valuable ecosystems. Several national parks and reserves, including Askania-Nova and the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, remain under occupation.
The ministry added that the full scale of environmental damage will be known after complete de-occupation and the opportunity to conduct comprehensive research.
