Ukraine Blocks Russia's Participation in Water Convention Bureau in Slovenia

During the meeting of the parties to the UN Water Convention in Slovenia, Ukraine blocked Russia's participation in one of the bodies of this international treaty. This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

The relevant decision was made following the 10th meeting, which took place on 23-25 October in Ljubljana (Slovenia). This year's meeting was attended by more than 500 participants from 100 countries.

Instead of Russia, a representative from the State Agency of Ukraine for Water Resources will join the Convention Bureau for the period 2025-2027.

During the conference, the Ukrainian delegation presented the current environmental situation in the country. Participants from Ukraine shared details of numerous violations committed by the Russian Federation during the war, including the pollution of the Seim River and the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, which caused an environmental disaster.

‘Delegates called on countries to join forces for justice and to bring Russia to justice for environmental crimes, including those related to water resources,’ the ministry said.

As a result of the vote, a representative of the State Agency of Ukraine for Water Resources was elected to the Water Convention Bureau for the period from 2025 to 2027. At the same time, the participants blocked Russia's participation.

‘This opens up new opportunities for Ukraine to actively participate in cross-border cooperation in the field of water conservation, treatment and monitoring. And most importantly, we will continue to work to ensure that Russia is fairly punished for its crimes against the environment,’ explained Olena Kramarenko, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, or Water Convention, is an international treaty and platform whose parties are engaged in ensuring the use of water resources that cross the borders of many countries.

Initially, the Convention was planned as a regional document, but in 2016, access to join it was opened to all UN member states.

Ukraine acceded to the Water Convention in the year of its adoption - 1992. So far, more than 130 countries have joined it.

The parties to the Convention meet every three years. 

The main responsibilities of the Convention Bureau include taking measures to develop a work plan for water-related activities and taking initiatives to implement the provisions of the Convention.