Every year on November 6, the international community observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, established by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/56/4 on November 5, 2001. This day is intended to draw attention to the devastating impact of armed conflicts on ecosystems and on the needs to protect the environment during wartime.

Emissions into the atmosphere, pollution of lands and rivers, irreparable damage to biodiversity are just a few examples of the negative impact of armed conflicts on the environment. Wars leave behind a significant toxic legacy, which for years negatively affects people’s health, their well-being and the economic potential of states.

Unfortunately, these challenges are particularly relevant for Ukraine. The full-scale aggression of the russian federation against our country has caused the significant harm to the environment of Ukraine and the Black Sea region. Their complete restoration will require multibillion investments tens of years of the efforts of the world community.

In this context, the implementation of point 8 of the Peace Formula Plan of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which relates to the prevention of ecocide and the restoration of environmental security, becomes of a special importance.

Ukraine consistently advocates for increasing the effectiveness of international environmental protection mechanisms during armed conflicts and the introduction of responsibility for crimes against environment.

With the direct assistance of Ukraine, 3 environmental resolutions were adopted within the framework of the UN Environment Assembly, aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the relevant international instruments. We count on the support of partners in their implementation.

We call on the international community to join efforts aimed at protection of the environment from the destructive consequences of military actions and implement mechanisms to compensate for the damage caused. Restoring environmental security in war-torn areas is a key element of lasting peace and stability.

Ukraine remains committed to the idea of strengthening the global environmental agenda, and we are ready to actively participate in international efforts to ensure the protection of environment during armed conflicts.