From the outset of a full-scale invasion, Russia has committed 2,500 environmental crimes.
That’s according to First Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, who spoke at a conference United for Justice. United For Nature.
“The war is ongoing, and Russia continues to commit crimes, causing harm every day … 2,500 environmental crimes have been documented,” she said.
She also stressed that every day of the war causes about EUR 120 million in damage.
“They brutally kill Ukrainians, they annihilate our cities and villages, they destroy our forests, our massive natural resources, fields, and lakes. They mine roads and structures, they mine our water supply system,” she stressed.
According to the minister, undermining the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has led to catastrophic consequences for people and ecology.
“A million Ukrainians have lost access to drinking water, 100,000 inhabitants in 80 settlements were affected by flooding, and 140,000 were left without electricity,” she said.
Svydydenko also noted that environmental restoration cannot start until the areas are cleared of mines and UXOs.