Abstract
The full-scale armed aggression by the russian federation against Ukraine has had a massive negative impact on the environment. Ukraine is home to a large number of industrial enterprises, critical infrastructure facilities, protected natural areas, and fertile lands. This significantly exacerbates the scale of environmental damage. At the same time, the vast extent of territories that are temporarily occupied or contaminated with mines makes it extremely difficult to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the environmental damage. The article presents a comprehensive study of the current state of Ukraine’s environmental sector amidst ongoing armed aggression. Data regarding the war’s adverse impact on land resources, atmospheric air, surface and groundwater, forests, the nature reserve fund, and biodiversity have been systematized. Official figures concerning environmental damage have been summarized. Attention is paid to the environmental consequences of the Kakhovka HPP destruction, widespread landmine contamination, the degradation of nature reserve areas, and the accumulation of military waste. The capabilities of modern international environmental monitoring mechanisms utilizing remote sensing and satellite technologies are examined. A classification of the war’s environmental impacts is presented. It has been established that the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine has created a system of long-term environmental risks, the consequences of which will persist for decades after the cessation of hostilities. It has been determined that areas within the nature reserve fund, land resources, and forests have suffered the greatest losses. It is currently impossible to fully assess the extent of the negative impact on occupied territories and marine ecosystems. The need to integrate state environmental monitoring with international information systems, improve methods for assessing environmental damage in accordance with European standards, and establish a state strategy for post-war environmental recovery is substantiated.
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