War and ecological disasters in Ukraine: ecocide as a new type of crime

Since the beginning of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, more than a million people have been killed or injured. As a result of the war, many cities and villages in Ukraine have been destroyed, and about 20 thousand children have been forcibly taken to Russia. However, another serious consequence of the armed conflict is the environmental disasters occurring in Ukraine.

Ecocide: a new war crime

The Ukrainian government is conducting special data collection on environmental disasters caused by the war. The country's prosecutor's office assesses the damage caused to the atmosphere, water sources, flora and fauna as a result of military actions carried out by Russia as an "ecocide" - that is, an environmental crime.

According to Maksym Popov, an adviser to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine on environmental crimes, a distinctive feature of these crimes is their large-scale and systematic nature. Currently, 247 cases are being investigated, 14 of which are classified under the article "ecocide" of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Total environmental damage

According to the Ukrainian government, the total damage caused to the country's natural resources due to the war exceeds $85 billion. This damage affects not only the environment, but also agriculture, public health, and future economic stability.

Kakhovka Dam and the 2023 Environmental Disaster

The explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station dam in June 2023 was noted as one of the largest environmental disasters in the history of Ukraine. After the explosion, toxic sediments and fresh water flowed down the Dnieper River, causing significant damage to the ecosystem on the Black Sea coast. This event coincided with the breeding season of marine organisms, most of which disappeared.

The Kakhovka reservoir provided irrigation for much of southern Ukraine. After the explosion, the region began to dry up. In 2024, the sunflower harvest was reported to have decreased by 10 times compared to 2023.

Movements to recognize ecocide at the international level

In 2021, a group of international lawyers proposed a clear definition of ecocide and include it among the crimes considered by the International Criminal Court. According to them, ecocide is a human-caused, long-term and large-scale environmental damage.

Ukrainian officials admit that their ability to hold Russia accountable is limited. However, they believe that domestic investigations and court decisions, even if issued externally, can provide a basis for compensation and legal pressure in international arenas.

The war in Ukraine is causing immeasurable damage not only to human life, but also to nature. Through a new type of crime called ecocide, Ukraine is seeking to rally the international community, hold the aggressor accountable, and create legal mechanisms to protect nature. This is a pressing issue not only for Ukraine, but for the future of all humanity. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”