The Ecological aspects of the war in Ukraine

Abstract

In the face of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, violations of the international order, and war crimes, the issue of environmental destruction remains secondary. However, it constitutes a significant element that extends beyond the immediate area of military operations. The aim of this article is to assess the extent of environmental damage and evaluate the legal actions undertaken by Ukraine. Based on both realist and idealist approaches, as well as a case study—the destruction of the Kakhovka dam—an analysis was conducted to determine whether this event aligns with the definition of ecocide. The article argues that this case meets the criteria for ecocide as defined and serves as a practical contribution to illustrating ecocide and advocating for its recognition as a new category of international criminal law, alongside genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Additionally, the article presents the stance of the European Union and the progress made in criminalizing environmental crimes.