Environmental damage in Ukraine from Russian aggression climbs by another UAH 49 billion

Environmental toll of Russia’s war

According to Мін. Економіки: Between June 19 and June 26, 2026, environmental losses caused by Russian hostilities increased by UAH 49,226,872,000, according to a report from the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine. The most significant rise occurred in the category of protected natural areas, where damages reached UAH 48,060,448,000. This ongoing destruction highlights the severe and lasting impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s natural environment.

Breakdown of the losses

Damages from soil pollution and land littering also grew substantially, totaling UAH 923,607,000. Soil contamination alone accounted for UAH 21,534,000, while land littering contributed UAH 902,073,000. At the same time, air pollution damages rose by UAH 242,817,000.

• Losses from the burning of oil, petroleum products, and gas: UAH 129,505,000.
• Losses from wildfires and damage to other vegetation: UAH 105,207,000.
• Losses from the ignition of other objects, waste, and materials: UAH 8,105,000.

This surge in environmental damage underscores the persistent negative effects of military operations on Ukraine’s ecosystems. Harm to protected natural areas, combined with soil and air pollution, poses long-term risks to both biodiversity and public health. Given these figures, urgent action is needed to assess and restore ecosystems, as well as to prevent further contamination during the ongoing conflict.

The ongoing conflict has not only led to significant environmental degradation but has also seen Ukrainian forces disrupt Russian oil production capabilities. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian drones have successfully incapacitated eight of Russia's ten largest oil refineries, further exacerbating the environmental crisis. This highlights the interconnectedness of military actions and ecological harm, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these effects as the war continues.