Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted during a conference in Helsinki dedicated to environmental security that the war of Russia has caused large-scale ecological destruction, leading to unprecedented environmental pollution and the loss of biodiversity both in Ukraine and globally.
Key issues
According to estimates, the damage to Ukrainian ecosystems amounts to about $65 billion. A third of Ukraine’s forests have been affected, and 20% of protected areas have suffered due to the war. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station has resulted in nearly 10,000 hectares of internationally significant wetlands being lost. Additionally, 35% of the biodiversity of Europe that belongs to Ukraine is under threat.
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Importance of joint action
Shmyhal emphasized the need to discuss collective steps to improve environmental security. He called for the development of a strategy to monitor the ecological consequences of the war, gather feedback from international partners, and hold Russia accountable for environmental crimes.
Conclusion
Environmental security is critically important for Ukraine’s economic and social development. Denys Shmyhal stressed the necessity of finding resources to protect and restore nature that has been harmed by the war and thanked Finland and other countries for their support in this process.
