Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the cumulative environmental damage to Ukraine has surpassed €126 billion. This impact encompasses tens of millions of square meters of polluted land, thousands of tons of debris in water bodies, and millions of tons of atmospheric emissions from incinerated petroleum products. Furthermore, military operations have decimated tens of millions of trees and devastated significant wildlife populations within protected nature reserves. This was reported by Dengi.ua , citing an infographic from "Slovo i Delo" (Word and Deed).
Land Contamination and Littering
One of the most extensive and enduring consequences of the war is land pollution, particularly from mines and military debris. Records indicate 54.7 million square meters of littered areas and an additional 1.4 million square meters of contaminated soil. The financial loss associated with land degradation and contamination is estimated at €26.4 billion.
Fires and Atmospheric Pollution
Targeted strikes on refineries and oil depots, particularly during the initial phase of the invasion, released approximately 4.1 million tons of petroleum combustion products into the atmosphere. Forest ecosystems have also suffered catastrophic losses: fires have consumed 158.7 thousand hectares of forest, while various other blazes have affected an additional 3.6 million square meters of land. The total damage resulting from forest and steppe fires is valued at €22.7 billion.
Degradation of Water Resources
Ukraine’s water resources—including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and marine zones—have been severely compromised. An estimated 78,600 tons of pollutants, including hazardous waste and naval mines, have entered these bodies of water. Additionally, the unauthorized extraction of 21.1 billion cubic meters of water has been documented during the conflict. Economic losses in this segment are calculated at €2.4 billion.
Devastation of Flora and Fauna
Since the invasion began, 28.5 thousand hectares of protected natural reserve territories have been damaged. Military operations have led to the destruction of 82.6 million trees and plants, while at least 75.2 thousand animals have perished due to fires, flooding, shelling, and starvation. Reports also highlight disturbing instances of Russian forces intentionally killing wildlife, in some cases organizing so-called "safaris" and publicizing them on social media. This category represents the largest share of environmental damage, with losses estimated at €74.9 billion.
