War-induced threats to environmental resilience in Ukraine and recovery perspectives

The military actions have a devastating impact on the environment. The ongoing war by Russia against Ukraine has already caused significant environmental damage that affects not only Ukraine but also neighbouring countries. Warfare results in the emission of toxic substances and pollutants into the atmosphere, water, and soil, with harmful consequences for both wildlife and human health. The landscape and biotic diversity are dramatically altered due to shelling, fires, floods, and widespread desolation. In this paper, an overview of the primary threats to the Ukrainian environment caused by the war, focusing on the kinds of the damage inflicted on nature, wildlife, and urban infrastructure, was provided. The ways to minimize or eliminate war-induced environmental degradation were analysed, based on existing techniques of environmental remediation from World War II, wars in the Middle East, the Balkan wars, and other armed conflicts. By understanding these impacts and previously undertaken remedial actions, Ukraine can develop effective strategies for mitigating destruction and properly managing environmental damage, while also taking into account the principles of building a sustainable economy, industry, agriculture, and effective environmental protection systems in the future.