UN warns of long-term environmental consequences of Ukraine war

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said this in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

According to her, Ukrainians are rebuilding quite quickly, but some of the consequences will have a long-term effect.

“Especially places where there is heavy fuel, heavy oil and fuel in the soil. It doesn't just disappear, and it will be a decade-long process,” Inger Andersen said. 

When asked by a journalist whether the actions of the Russians in Ukraine could be considered 'ecocide', the UNEP executive director replied: “This word is not one for which the UN has a definition. It is not in our vocabulary. But obviously, everyone can understand that this is a 'strong' word.”

According to her, the environment is never in good condition after a war.

“Of course, it's important that we think about the long-term consequences for people in any military conflict. But the truth is that the environment is never in a good condition after the end of hostilities, no matter where and how it happened. However, the only thing that can stop this negative impact on the environment is peace,” Andersen emphasized.

• The head of the UN-backed Independent International Commission of Inquiry, Erik Møse, said there was no evidence of genocide against Ukrainians.