Environmental consequences of war: assessment of waste impact on the environment

The article analyzes the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine, focusing on the impact of waste generation and management on the state of the environment. The study aims to identify environmental threats associated with waste disposal, assess the damage caused, and evaluate its impact on natural resources and ecosystems. The research employed general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, systematization, and monitoring. The findings reveal that the war in Ukraine has caused extensive environmental damage, including soil, water, and air pollution, biodiversity loss, destruction of protected areas, and contamination with toxic substances. As of 2024, the estimated environmental damage amounts to 2.5 trillion hryvnias, with consequences including ecosystem disruption and long-term impacts on the natural environment. It is noted that the war has generated over 15 billion tons of waste, including construction debris, exacerbating the environmental situation due to damaged waste disposal infrastructure. Although measures for waste collection, temporary storage, and processing are being implemented in some regions, there is an urgent need for an effective waste management strategy that includes infrastructure modernization, sorting systems, and recycling incentives. The study also highlights the use of modern technologies, such as aerial photography, drones, and interactive platforms, which facilitate systematic monitoring and documentation of environmental damage. Significant contributions to data collection and analysis are made by state authorities, public organizations, and international initiatives, such as the «Environmental Treaty.» These platforms enable the assessment of waste and warfare impacts on the environment, the development of ecosystem recovery strategies, and the prosecution of those responsible. The practical significance of the research lies in its potential to inform strategies for environmental restoration and efficient waste management in the post-conflict period.