The adverse consequences Russian aggression against Ukraine has for nature cannot be overestimated. Thousands of square kilometers of Ukrainian territory are mined, and the soil is contaminated with the remains of shells – this alone will take decades for Ukraine to clean up, while there are also numerous other problems: destroyed forests and protected areas, depleted and polluted water resources, killed wildlife, and more.
The timely tracking of the Russian war’s impact on the environment, experts think, is crucial, as relevant lab examinations may not be possible to implement as time passes, and specific damage to the ecosystem may be simply forgotten.
It is also vital to think about the long-term future after Ukraine’s victory: how is it possible to ensure that the reconstruction and recovery process in Ukraine is green? With the support of the international community, Ukraine should ensure that the way to rebuild its cities and towns allows for renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, sustainable and smart transport systems, etc.
This is the second issue of Ukraine In Flames dedicated to Russia’s impact on Ukrainian ecology. Watch the first episode:
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
👉🏻 Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
👉🏻 CO Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation – https://bit.ly/3Svas1G (purchases supplies for Ukrainian army, such as armor, ammunition, first-aid kits, cars and ATV, humanitarian aid for civilians, and food for animals);
👉🏻 UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
👉🏻 Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
👉🏻 Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army);
👉🏻 Phoenix Wings – https://bit.ly/3RvWSd0 (the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army).