"The Ukrainian pavilion at COP28, new partners, declarations and agreements, presentation of Ukraine's climate policy, negotiations on the launch of the CBAM, joining the Climate Club, advocacy of the Peace Formula and our damage calculation platform, confrontation with the russian lobby - these and other results of our delegation's work have presented Ukraine with dignity among the countries concerned about the climate crisis," said Ruslan Strilets, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, during the expert discussion titled "Ukraine at COP28".

Despite all humanity's efforts to minimize the impact on the climate system, 2023 was the hottest year on record. The world is not yet on a 2C trajectory, let alone a 1.5C trajectory. It is symbolic that COP26 and COP27 were held in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The next one will be held in Azerbaijan. These are countries whose GDP is highly dependent on fossil fuels.

In the context of the global crisis and wars, the rejection of fossil fuels can be both a way to end wars and make them more expensive.

"Which way will the world choose? This is a difficult question. However, while the world is trying to reduce its carbon footprint, russia is deepening the crisis with its aggression. Greenhouse gas emissions from the war in Ukraine already exceed those of Austria. Our goal remains unchanged: to win the war against the Russian invaders, to recover and to do everything in our power to prevent future wars," the Minister stressed.

Deputy Minister Viktoriia Kireieva also drew attention to the importance of uniting Ukrainians, namely the Government, business and the public. According to her, at the COP28 conference, international partners saw our unity and expressed their support.

"The COP28 conference began with a speech by COP27 President Sameh Shoukry, who said that the world is facing two challenges: the first is the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second is the war in Ukraine. This was the first speech to be delivered officially at the COP28 conference. The Ukrainian delegation has also emphasised at every COP28 meeting that there is a war in Ukraine, that we need to win this war, and we can only achieve this together," said Viktoriia Kireieva.

Minister Ruslan Strilets and his deputy, Viktoriia Kireieva, thanked the Ukrainian team for their productive work on the sidelines of the 28th annual meeting.