Ukraine to seek $32 billion in climate reparations from Russia

Ukraine will demand reparations from Russia. Kyiv will seek payment from Moscow for all war damages. Among the costs are climate damages, which are substantial. Experts estimate that the amount for climate changes alone is already $32 billion and continues to grow.

On February 14, 2022, Russia began its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Although the Kremlin expected a quick capture of Kyiv, the conflict continues today, with little indication of an imminent end. Each additional day of the war results in massive losses of lives, economy, infrastructure, and cultural heritage of Ukraine. The "National Geographic" portal reports that the war also leads to severe climate damages.

Experts from the Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Accounting of War (IGGAW) indicate that in just the first two years of the conflict in Ukraine, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is equivalent to approximately 385 billion pounds of carbon dioxide. Such levels of carbon dioxide will inevitably impact the increase in global warming.

The IGGAW report clearly shows that combating the effects of this additional emission of greenhouse gases could cost up to $32 billion. Ukraine plans to include this amount in the damages caused by Russian aggression. “It will be an essential plank in the reparations case we are building against Russia,” stated Ruslan Striletz, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

The analysis published today is the most up-to-date and thorough snapshot we have of the climate consequences of Russia’s invasion, helping to lift the fog of war that exists also when it comes to the environmental costs of conflict, said Striletz.

The report prepared by IGGAW indicates that up to one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions result from direct military actions, such as the fuel consumption of military vehicles. This is followed by emissions related to the repair of damaged buildings, roads, infrastructure, and fires caused by subsequent bombings, rocket attacks, and shelling.

One must also consider the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the necessity to reroute commercial aircraft on longer routes to avoid the conflict zone. Experts point out that this topic is still not thoroughly researched. This means greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere could be significantly higher than the estimates indicate. It must also be remembered that this amount increases each subsequent day of the war.