Svitlana Hrynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources, in an interview with Forbes, spoke about Ukraine's environmental protection during the war.
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Kyiv estimates that 3 million hectares of Ukrainian forests have been destroyed and almost a third of the country's territory is covered with mines. Currently, the Ministry of Environment estimates the environmental costs of the war at about $70 billion, and this is probably the tip of the iceberg.
Including the loss of natural resources, this figure could be much, much higher
In addition, Svitlana Hrynchuk emphasized that Russia has committed over 6500 crimes against the environment. So far, the war has resulted in emissions of over 180 million tons of CO₂ equivalent. The displacement of more than 6 million Ukrainian citizens to other countries has caused additional emissions of 3.3 million tons of CO2.
We are already seeing what happens when the world turns a blind eye to Putin's crimes. Before 2014, Crimea was a paradise resort and a place for people. Now, 10 years after the seizure, the peninsula has turned into one huge military base
The Minister also stated that Ukraine is determined to bring Russia to justice for all environmental crimes. Currently, Russia is presented as an anti-environmental destroyer bent on predatory domination of both Ukraine and the natural world.
Recall
In Ukraine, more than 6,500 crimes against the environment have been recorded due to Russian aggression. The damage caused is estimated at at least 70 billion euros, including damage to water resources and forests.