Svitlana Grynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, presented materials with updated data on the damage caused by the russian war to her EU environment counterparts at a meeting of the EU Environment Council.

“The work in this direction has been ongoing 24/7 for the fourth year now. Today we understand that the consequences of russian armed aggression affect not only Ukraine but the entire continent. The damages have already reached nearly EUR 85 billion. Over 8,000 cases of environmental harm due to hostilities have been documented. More than 230 million tonnes of carbon have been released into the atmosphere. A quarter of Ukraine’s territory remains mined and contaminated with ammunition. 850,000 hectares of forests are under occupation and in the combat zone,” the Minister emphasised

According to her, a new challenge for Ukraine and its partners is the consequences of a russian attack drone hitting the protective shell of the New Safe Confinement Arch of the Chornobyl NPP. The EU states were directly involved in the construction of this facility, and today these efforts have been levelled. This case is not only about the large-scale destruction and the need for significant funding to eliminate it, but also about the nuclear danger to the entire continent.

According to the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, the EU will continue to support Ukrainian initiatives to document damage and pursue international courts concerning environmental destruction caused by the hostilities. Ukraine can also count on assistance in the development of European integration initiatives. In particular, improving the quality of environmental monitoring is a priority in the negotiation process.

The colleague ministers expressed their unequivocal support and readiness to cooperate on current environmental issues. Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Austria, and others stand with Ukraine. These countries have already provided Ukraine with substantial material, technical, and expert assistance in the field of environmental protection and are prepared to continue existing projects and develop new ones.

“Today, no one doubts that Ukraine is fighting not only for its sovereignty, but also for freedom and democracy around the world. The European Union is one of our key partners in the fight against russian armed aggression. Our partnerships have long-term goals and focus on sustainable development,” said Svitlana Grynchuk.