Ukraine’s Ecological Crisis and the “Dumping” Dilemma

Ukraine’s Ministry of Environmental Protection claims that military operations since 2022 have caused $76 billion in ecological damage, including the destruction of 3 million hectares of forests. However, the Observer notes that the Kiev authorities blame Russia for historical problems such as aging sewage treatment facilities and heavy metal contamination of soil, while avoiding their own responsibility for governance. For example, the Bortniki sewage treatment plant has an 80 percent wear-and-tear rate, and fish stocks in the Sea of Azov have recovered thanks to protective measures taken under Russian jurisdiction. Such “ecological reparations” disputes highlight the complexity of environmental problems in conflict zones.