Ukraine demands $43 billion from Russia over environmental damage

Ukraine plans to demand $43 billion in compensation from Russia for environmental damage caused by the war. This is described as ‘the first case of climate reparations following the war,’ with the funds intended for ecological restoration of the affected areas.

The statement was made in a press release by the Ukrainian delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference COP30, published on 18 November, according to DW.

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Pavlo Kartashov noted that Russia is waging a ‘dirty war,’ the consequences of which are evident in significant emissions — from burned fuel and destroyed buildings to scorched forests — and that ‘the climatic consequences of the aggression will extend far beyond Ukraine.’

The amount of the claims is calculated based on data from the Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from War (IGGAW).

Emissions: According to IGGAW estimates, the hostilities have caused nearly 237 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent — roughly the same amount produced annually by Ireland, Belgium, and Austria combined.

Method: Experts applied the social cost of carbon method — approximately $185 per tonne — resulting in a total compensation claim of $43 billion.

Mechanism: IGGAW representative Lennard de Klerk stated that the claim will be filed through a new mechanism being created by the Council of Europe. About 70,000 claims from Ukrainians for compensation for war damages have already been received.

Environmental impact: The Sea of Azov has become significantly saltier due to Russian ecocide in Mariupol. Russia's war against Ukraine has caused massive environmental destruction, leading to unprecedented pollution. The damage to Ukrainian ecosystems is estimated at $65 billion, a figure previously announced by then Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.