Can Ukraine Hold Russia Accountable for Environmental Crimes?

May 16, 2022 | Federica Marsi
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The former Soviet country runs 15 nuclear reactors, more than 1,600 chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical enterprises, and 148 coalmines. It was also the world’s sixth-largest exporter of wheat and a key global producer of soft commodities, including maize and sunflower oil.

Ukraine’s ministry in charge of environmental protection said in a briefing last month that destroyed military equipment and ammunition, as well as exploded missiles and air bombs, pollute the soil and groundwater with chemicals, including heavy metals.

While the cost of rebuilding Ukraine’s cities could be as high as $600bn, according to an estimate by the central government in Kyiv, the State Environmental Inspectorate says the damage inflicted by the pollution of land resources alone amounts to $77m.

Reparations for environmental damage have been rare. While the International Criminal Court would be the natural place to prosecute war crimes and other grave offences, Russia does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.