WAR DESTROYING THE ECOLOGY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article covers the events from the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine, including western regions. An assessment and proposals for the implementation of measures to mitigate the effects of pollution are given. As significant chemical pollution of atmospheric air, surface and groundwater, soils, protected areas is expected. It is also important after the war to take care of an effective system for monitoring the state of the environment, which would allow us to summarize the real scale of environmental damage caused. The most effective measures must be taken to avoid further deterioration and to restore ecosystems to a safe state for both humans and wildlife. According to the Geneva Convention, crimes against the environment are classified as war crimes and are classified as ecocide. The Ministry of the Environment, together with the OSCE, has prepared a draft framework law "On Chemical Safety". The development of such a document was included in the Action Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government's Priority Action Plan. That is why the study focuses simultaneously on both the assessment of the damage caused and the problems of prosecution for environmental damage. Above all, Ukraine must strengthen national legal mechanisms by adopting laws "On compensation for damage caused to Ukraine by the aggression of the Russian Federation" and "About the criminal punishment of individuals for the crime of aggression, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine", and "About the criminal punishment of individuals for the crime of aggression, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Russia's aggression against Ukraine." This technique should include the preparation of acts indicating the number and size of funnels, residues of ammunition parts and the level of environmental pollution, length of trenches, damage from fires, etc. It is advisable to make a map of the territories affected by hostilities. When determining the scale of environmental damage, it is necessary to take into account mine pollution as a source of pollution, as well as the amount of the cost of demining the territory. Certain recommendations aimed at improving the national policy in the field of environmental management and environmental protection in the context of armed conflict should be provided as well. These recommendations are to be addressed to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Defense, the leadership of civil-military administrations.