Environmental safety and its legal support in Ukraine

The purpose of this study was to analyse Ukrainian legislation in the field of environmental protection and to identify the most effective legal acts related to ensuring this protection. Specifically, considering the analysis of the state of Ukraine’s environment since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian armed forces. For an effective study of the topic, it was necessary to employ the historical and terminological methods. The study covered the essence of environmental security, its concept, content, and features, as well as the role of environmental security in the legal support of environmental protection in Ukraine. By defining the concept of environmental safety, the study identified the factors which influence its provision (specifically, environmental disasters caused by anthropogenic factors), and proved the significance and necessity of establishing effective legal regulation of this issue. The study analysed the legislation in the field of the natural environment and its security, particularly, the most significant legal documents. The impact of military operations (including the effects of military equipment, weapons, and chemicals they release) on the legal regulation of environmental protection was also determined. The study provided a legal definition of the concept of environmental safety and its features and demonstrated the factors that affect the safety of the natural environment. Specifically, the study analysed legal regulation in the field of environmental safety. The analysis of key legal documents in this area helped to identify a list of tasks that will help to improve the environmental situation in Ukraine. Thus, this study showed the state of legal support for environmental safety in Ukraine as of 2024 and will help in further reforming environmental policy