Ukraine wants to claim damages from international courts for environmental damage caused by the Russian invasion. According to the information, Kiev has so far registered 1500 cases of destruction of ecosystems or pollution of land. Ukraine suffered financial losses of about EUR 80 million in the Chernobyl exclusion zone alone.
“This is the first military conflict in the world in the past 20 years that has caused environmental damage on such a scale,” said Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets.
“Russian missiles have hit our oil depots, thermal power stations and chemical plants. (…) Forests are burning, valuable protected assets are being destroyed.” Another problem: mining (see video above).
Flora and fauna around Chernobyl destroyed
Fighting near the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant — the scene of the world’s worst nuclear accident in 1986 — set fires across nearly 12,000 acres. There, flora and fauna were destroyed in a unique environment.
“Do ecosystems really lose”
“There are areas, such as wetlands, that are destroyed when the machines of the occupying forces drive over them,” said the minister. “These are ecosystems that have been forming for hundreds of years and we are really losing them.”
No response from Russia
“Our goal is to compensate as much as possible for the losses Russia inflicts on Ukraine,” Strilets said. “All compensation is negotiated before international courts.” The minister left open what that should be in concrete terms. Russia – which describes the war against its neighbor as a special military operation – did not immediately respond to Strilet’s comments.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
