Consequences for the Environment from Russian Aggression in Ukraine

The article examines the issue of environmental consequences of military actions on the territory of Ukraine as a result of large-scaled Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. The military action of the Russian Federation is undoubtedly an unjustified and unprovoked act of aggression against independent and sovereign Ukraine, as well as a violation of all existing norms of international law on environmental protection, sustainable development, humanitarian law, basic morals and principles of human coexistence. Destruction of the military and civil infrastructure as well as attacks on steel mills, laboratories, nuclear power plants by the Russian warfare, causes environmental degradation, posing the direct threat to environmental safety and security not only within the territory of Ukraine, but at a global scale.

Thus, the authors provide with analyses of statistical data on environmental damage caused by the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine within various environmental spheres. The study of legislative regulation of legal measures for addressing the consequences of environmental damage is carried out, with special attention paid to the analysis of the provisions of international treaties regarding the protection of environment during hostilities and liability for environmental damage during an armed conflict. It is pointed out that there is no solid legal regime of international law applicable to responsibility and liability in the context of environmental damage caused by war. Additionally, it is emphasized that the absence of a global institution that shall deal with global politics, as well as the poor performance of the international legal system with regards to environmental damage caused by war conflicts is of a great concern. According to the results of the study, the authors develop the proposals on what legal mechanisms for holding the Russian Federation liable as an aggressor country for environmental damage inflicted on the territory of Ukraine should be used.