Ukraine: Ukrainian NGOs Raise Alarm over Shocking Environmental Crimes Caused by Russian Aggression

Mar 29, 2022 | Ecoaction
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Marking thirty-four days since the beginning of the Russian invasion, experts and activists provided the first analysis of the war crimes against the environment on the territory of Ukraine. Conclusions presented at an online expert discussion are a result of a month-long process of documenting and collecting evidence, initiated by Ukraine’s Ministry of Environment and undertaken by the leading local NGO Ecoaction and various civil society organizations. Proper investigation will have to take place after the military activities have ceased, the Ukrainian State Environmental Inspection so far estimated as much as USD 77 million in damages connected with land contamination, while the organizations are reporting to have already documented over 100 war crimes. According to the Geneva convention, the use of methods or means of warfare intended to cause, or maybe expected to cause widespread, lasting, and severe damage to the natural environment are prohibited by international legal standards.