War and ecological disasters in Ukraine: ecocide as a new type of crime

Since the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, over a million people have died or been injured. As a result of the war, many cities and villages in Ukraine have been destroyed, and nearly 20,000 children have been forcibly taken to Russia. However, another severe consequence of the armed conflict is the ecological disasters occurring in Ukraine.

Ecocide: a new military crime

The Ukrainian government is collecting special data on the ecological disasters resulting from the war. The country's prosecutor's office assesses the damage caused to the atmosphere, water sources, and flora and fauna as "ecocide" — that is, an ecological crime, due to military actions carried out by Russia.

According to Maxim Popov, an advisor on ecological crimes at the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, the distinctive feature of these crimes is that they have been carried out on a large scale and systematically. Currently, 247 cases are being investigated, of which 14 have been classified under the ecocide article of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.

The total volume of ecological damage

According to the Ukrainian government, the total damage to the country's natural resources due to the war has exceeded 85 billion dollars. This damage affects not only the ecological environment but also agriculture, public health, and future economic stability.

The Kakhovka dam and the ecological disaster of 2023

In June 2023, the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station dam was recorded as one of the largest ecological disasters in Ukraine's history. After the explosion, toxic waste and fresh water flowed through the Dnieper River, causing significant damage to the ecosystem along the Black Sea coast. This event coincided with the breeding season of marine organisms, most of which were lost.

The Kakhovka reservoir had been providing irrigation for a large part of southern Ukraine. After the explosion, this region began to dry up. In 2024, it is reported that sunflower yields have decreased tenfold compared to 2023.

International efforts to recognize ecocide

In 2021, a group of international lawyers proposed a clear definition of ecocide and suggested adding it to the list of crimes to be addressed by the International Criminal Court. According to them, ecocide is an act committed by humans that causes long-term and extensive ecological damage.

Ukrainian officials acknowledge that the possibility of holding Russia accountable is limited. However, they believe that internal investigations and court decisions, even if conducted externally, can serve as a basis for seeking reparations and legal pressure in international arenas.

The war in Ukraine is causing immeasurable harm not only to human life but also to nature. Through the new crime of ecocide, Ukraine seeks to unite the international community, hold the aggressor accountable, and create legal mechanisms for the protection of nature. This is a pressing issue not only for Ukraine but for the future of all humanity.