Ukraine’s War-Driven Environmental Damage Reaches €108 Billion

The environmental damage in Ukraine as a result of the war has already reached more than 108 billion euros, and the country’s environmental restoration is becoming a key task for ensuring the security of the entire continent. 

This was reported by The Gaze with reference to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nature of Ukraine. 

More than 9,000 cases of environmental destruction due to the actions of Russia have already been recorded. "Among those that shocked the world the most were the explosion of the Kakhovka dam, the poisoning of the Seim river, and the hit to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Almost 23% of the total territory of Ukraine is still mined," said Svitlana Hrynchuk, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. 

“Damage to the hydraulic infrastructure is estimated at at least $746 million, and the need for restoration is almost $11 billion. 10.6 trillion euros – losses in Ukraine's subsoil use. About 50% of Ukraine's most important, so-called critical mineral resources are located in the regions occupied by Russia," she added.

During a panel discussion were summarized key achievements in the country's green recovery.  

Svitlana Hrynchuk said that last year at the URC in Berlin, the Green Recovery Platform was launched and grew from an initial €5 million from the German government to €20 million in contributions from partners.  

Almost 100,000 hectares of forests have been cleared of mines in the liberated territories, and reforestation is underway in the Holy Mountains National Park with the use of new technology, including pine planting and the clearing of 100 km of forest roads.  

In addition, projects have been implemented to create rehabilitation centers for animals, which also support the mental health of war-affected people, including veterans. 

The draft law “On Green Recovery” has also to encourage sustainable investment. “Approval of the draft law will allow attracting private financing, as well as create legal grounds for new financial instruments, such as green bonds and green corporate financial instruments,” the statement reads. 

The concept of green recovery has become the basis of the economic agenda and shapes modern principles of interaction with the environment.“This area requires joint work with all stakeholders and active participation of allies. Therefore, we encourage all stakeholders to get involved. We are open to discussions and cooperation,” emphasized Svitlana Hrynchuk.

As The Gaze reported earlier, in 2024, carbon dioxide emissions resulting directly from Russian aggression and the subsequent full-scale war in Ukraine reached 180 million tons.