Collateral ecocide. The impact of war on Ukrainian flora and fauna

Abstract

We assess the effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine on soil, water, and air–including pollution by oil products, ammonia, heavy metals and radioactive substances; the threats posed by seizure of the Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants; and occupation of parts of the Emerald Network of biosphere reserves. The destruction of forests, steppes and wetlands by mines, bombing, shelling and fires, and the pollution of the environment, amount to ecocide. There is need to engage international organisations to confront environmental issues and bring the perpetrators to justice.