Towards a sustainable future: overcoming the challenges of post-war ecosystem reconstruction in Ukraine

The article explores the challenges of post-war ecosystem restoration in Ukraine and proposes pathways and strategies towards sustainable and resilient environmental recovery. It analyzes the risks associated with the clean-up and rehabilitation of hazardous substances, unexploded ordnance, and remnants of war, highlighting the potential ecological and human risks involved. Socio-economic risks related to environmental restoration are also examined, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with environmental protection. Additionally, the article addresses the management risks associated with ecosystem restoration, emphasizing the importance of effective governance and coordination among various stakeholders. Long-term challenges that Ukraine needs to address in its journey towards ecological restoration are identified, including resource constraints and institutional capacity building. Finally, the article outlines pathways and strategies for Ukraine to achieve sustainable and resilient post-war environmental recovery, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, community engagement, and the integration of scientific research and innovative technologies. By addressing these challenges and adopting sustainable practices, Ukraine can pave the way for a future of ecological restoration, environmental resilience, and long-term sustainability.


Introduction
The far-reaching and large-scale consequences of war go far beyond the obvious destruction and human suffering, encompassing a wide range of complex challenges faced by post-war countries.These multifaceted obstacles include the daunting task of rebuilding society, reviving the economy and reconstructing infrastructure.However, a key aspect that is often underestimated is the imperative to restore the environment as a fundamental basis for long-term sustainable development and the wellbeing of present and future generations.By adopting the principles of a symbiotic relationship with the natural world, Ukraine, currently in a state of conflict, can set a course for a post-war future that is ecologically balanced and prosperous.
This article aims to highlight the many complex challenges associated with restoring Ukraine's ecosystem after Russian military aggression, analyzing strategies and opportunities to achieve an environmentally sustainable future.
We will look at various environmental threats, including habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, soil and water pollution, and deforestation.We will explore the risks associated with the clean-up and rehabilitation of hazardous substances, unexploded ordnance and other remnants of war.Other paragraphs are indented.

Materials and methods
The theoretical basis of the study is the work of well-known experts and scientists who focused on identifying risks, challenges, opportunities and effective approaches to ecosystem restoration in the post-war context.
Schmitt M. N. (2000) provides historical and contemporary examples of environmental damage caused by war, such as deliberate flooding and oil field bombings, еemphasizing the belated recognition of this problem by the international community [1].Asit K. Biswas (2000) analyses the detrimental impact of wars on the environment, taking into account factors such as the type and duration of hostilities, the weapons used, and the pre-war state of the ecosystem [2].Levy Bs, Shahi Gs, C. Lee (2000) discuss the problems of environmental degradation, pollution and destruction caused by war, as well as the change in priorities during hostilities and the reallocation of resources used to protect the environment [3].Leaning (2000) focuses on understanding the environmental impact of war by examining the geographical distribution of military weapons systems, as well as military pollutants and wastes [4].Hupy (2008) discusses the close relationship between war and the natural environment, focusing on the landscape disruptions caused by modern warfare and the reasons behind the recent increase in such disruptions [5].Leebaw (2014) [6], Douglas and Alie (2014) [7] and Lawrence et al. (2015) [8], McQuillan and Francis (2019) [9], Stanturf (2021) [10] and Aasetre, Hagen, and Bye (2021) [11] stress the importance of understanding the ecological and social context of restoration efforts, engaging stakeholders and integrating restoration into integrated protected area management strategies.Palczewska (2022) highlights the losses to nature caused by wars, including the release of hazardous substances and ecological destruction, underlining the long-term challenges of restoring degraded ecosystems [12].
O. Trofymenko, O. Shevchuk, N. Koba, and others [13] argue that the introduction of systemic environmental innovations is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency.
In recent years, international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [14] and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) [15] have played an active role in shaping post-war ecosystem restoration efforts in Ukraine.IUCN recognizes the challenges associated with restoring ecosystems after military action and emphasizes the importance of ecological restoration in promoting peacebuilding and sustainable development.UNEP has conducted large-scale environmental assessments, highlighting their importance in identifying priority areas for restoration and involving local communities in decision-making.
However, while the existing literature provides valuable information on the impact of military operations on the environment and ecosystem restoration, it does not take into account the specific risks and challenges associated with the post-war restoration of Ukraine's ecosystem.These challenges include soil and water contamination, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, and the presence of hazardous substances and unexploded ordnance.Overcoming these risks requires a comprehensive approach that combines scientific knowledge, policy decisions, active public engagement and international cooperation to ensure a sustainable and resilient recovery process.

Results
Sustainable development encompasses the harmonious integration of the triad of economic growth, social progress and environmental protection, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015 as the Global Sustainable Development Goals [16].
In support of global initiatives, on 30 September 2019, the President of Ukraine issued a Decree "On the Sustainable Development Goals of Ukraine for the period up to 2030" [17], which identifies ways to ensure the achievement of the global sustainable development goals and the results of their adaptation to growing environmental challenges, taking into account the specifics of Ukraine's development through: conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, which involves the conservation of biodiversity, protection of ecosystems and ensuring responsible management of land, water and energy resources; mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the transition to clean energy, sustainable transport and improved industrial practices; prevention of pollution in all its forms, including air, water and soil pollution and waste management; sustainable land use and ecosystem conservation through urban planning, protection of forests and wetlands, and restoration of degraded landscapes; access to clean water and improved sanitation infrastructure; environmental education and awareness.This is due to the fact that even before the full-scale Russian invasion, the main environmental problems in Ukraine were water and air pollution, as well as the growing amount of both industrial and household waste that accumulated in the environment and was practically not recycled.Thus, according to the Environmental Performance Index [18], Ukraine was ranked 52nd out of 180 countries at the beginning of 2022.At the same time, this is the highest ranking among the post-Soviet countries.
Among the lowest environmental indicators are the following: Biodiversity Habitat Index (172nd), which assesses the impact of habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation on the expected conservation of terrestrial biodiversity; Ecosystem Health Index (103rd), which shows how ecosystems affect human and environmental prosperity, including carbon capture and storage, habitat biodiversity, nutrient cycling and coastal protection air quality (ranked 88th), which measures the direct impact of air pollution on human health in each country; recycling rate of household waste (ranked 174th with a score of 4.5) as a share of recyclable materials (metal, plastic, paper and glass).A score of 100 indicates that the country recycles all recyclable materials that were in use, and a score of 0 indicates that the country does not recycle any recyclable materials.
These problems have been exacerbated by the war waged by the Russian invaders against the Ukrainian people.This war, with its devastating consequences for human lives and infrastructure, also causes deep and often long-term damage to the environment, carrying out ecocide, which aims to cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem of Ukraine, its flora, fauna, and natural resources, in particular through: − destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity.Military operations, bombardment and the use of heavy equipment contribute to deforestation, degradation of natural landscapes and destruction of wildlife habitats.The loss of key species and disruption of ecological processes can have long-term consequences for the health and resilience of ecosystems; − soil and water pollution.The use of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and heavy metals, during war leads to the contamination of soil and water resources.Contaminated soils affect agricultural productivity and pose risks to public health, while water pollution threatens human and environmental well-being.The persistent presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance further complicates safe access to vital water sources and agricultural land.
− pollution and health risks due to the release of pollutants, including toxic chemicals, oil spills and the burning of munitions, which leads to air, water and soil pollution.Such pollution not only directly affects human health, but also harms ecosystems, upsetting ecological balance and exacerbating environmental degradation.Increased exposure to pollutants can lead to long-term health problems for both humans and wildlife.
− displacement of people and unsustainable extraction of natural resources to meet their basic needs; − impact on cultural and natural heritage, as historical monuments, archaeological sites and protected areas are often targeted, resulting in the loss of priceless cultural and environmental treasures.
At the same time, the environmental impact of the war in Ukraine extends beyond its borders, affecting the world in a variety of ways, including the release of air and water pollutants that can spread over long distances, disruption of global supply chains due to Ukraine's significant role in sectors such as agriculture and energy, and the potential for geopolitical tensions and changes in alliances that could have broader environmental impacts globally.

Risks to the ecosystem associated with the clean-up and rehabilitation of hazardous substances, unexploded ordnance and other remnants of war
In the first year of the war, Ukraine has already sustained more than $51 billion in environmental damage as rockets and shells burn forests and plantations, pollute soil and water, and contaminate farmland with landmines (Figure 1).

Risks/threats of increased levels/contamination;
Damage to energy infrastructure; Damage to critical infrastructure; Environmental damage to the water area; Damage to critical industrial facilities According to the official data of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the period 24.[19] Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian military has launched more than 5,000 missile and about 3,500 air strikes against targets in Ukraine.
According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, at least 900 protected areas, covering 1.2 million hectares, or 30% of all protected areas in Ukraine, have been affected by shelling, bombing, oil pollution and military maneuvers (Table 2).It should be noted that these lands could provide food for approximately 81 million people [19].Source: formed by the authors based on [19] In this context, we are talking about military-technogenic factors that have a significant impact on soils, leading to their degradation and pollution (Fig. 2) These factors include the use of heavy machinery, vehicle traffic, infrastructure construction, release of toxic substances, explosions and the presence of unexploded ordnance.At the local level, contaminated soils pose risks to agricultural productivity and food security.The presence of heavy metals, chemicals and other pollutants can inhibit plant growth, reduce yields and contaminate food sources, potentially endangering human and animal health.The loss of fertile soil due to pollution can have long-term effects on the local agricultural sector, worsening farmers' livelihoods and exacerbating food shortages/ Figure 2. Military-technogenic factors that have a significant impact on soils, leading to their degradation and pollution Source: formed by the authors based on [19] Soil contamination also has wider environmental impacts that extend beyond Ukraine's borders.Pollutants can leach into groundwater and surface water, leading to water pollution and potentially affecting aquatic ecosystems.The transport of pollutants by air, water and soil can contribute to the global spread of pollution, affecting ecosystems in neighboring regions and even further afield.This can disrupt biodiversity, harm wildlife populations and degrade the overall health of the ecosystem.
In addition, the war has already led to water pollution, including pollution from surface and groundwater sources (Table 3).This poses risks to aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as the availability of clean water for human consumption and agricultural use.Deteriorating water quality can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem.The war has caused forest fires that have burned forests and pastures, including the largest remaining stretch of Eurasian steppe.The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine reported that 60,000 hectares of Ukraine's national parks and reserves were burned by war-related forest fires.[19] According to the analysis conducted by the KSE Institute's Russia Will Pay project [21], as of May 2023, about 1.2 million tons of pollutants, including 430,000 tons of carbon monoxide, 700,000 tons of dust and 40,000 tons of non-methane volatile organic compounds, as well as significant amounts of heavy metals and other harmful substances, were released into the air as a result of the hostilities.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has not only caused direct destruction and economic losses, but has also had a profound impact on the environment, causing significant air pollution emissions.
In the 12 months from 24 February 2022 to 23 February 2023, greenhouse gas emissions generated by the full-scale war totaled 120 million tons of CO2e.This is the same amount generated by the whole of Belgium during the same period [22].
The consequences of these emissions were catastrophic, with an estimated $4.2 billion in damages, including $1.8 billion from forest fires, $1.6 billion from grass fires, and $752 million from the burning of oil and oil products.These figures do not take into account the direct damage caused by the Russian occupiers' explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in Kherson region on 6 June.Forest and grass fires caused by the hostilities became the main sources of emissions, covering an area of 46.6 thousand hectares and more than 471 thousand hectares, respectively [19].It is worth noting that firefighting efforts in these areas remain dangerous during the ongoing hostilities and before the regions are demined, which maintains the fire hazard and may affect air quality in the future.In addition, restoration of destroyed housing and utilities.
Explosions from the clearance of unexploded ordnance or accidental detonations can cause physical damage to natural habitats, including forests, wetlands and protected areas.The loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecological processes can have far-reaching consequences for the stability and resilience of ecosystems.
Ukraine's economy is heavily based on heavy industry, especially in the east, and there are thousands of industrial plants, chemical factories, coal mines and other facilities that produce and store toxic waste.Attacks on these sites can contaminate the air, water, soil and sea, posing an immediate threat to human health and long-term environmental damage to water and soil.
Certain hazardous substances and explosives, when exploded or released into the air, can contribute to air pollution, affecting air quality and posing risks to human health, wildlife and vegetation.Dust and smoke generated by demining operations can spread pollutants over larger areas if not properly controlled.During the period of the Russian invasion, 49,926,221 tons of air emissions were released as a result of forest fires, oil fires and fire [19].
The contamination of hazardous substances and unexploded ordnance as a result of the war in Ukraine has a significant and widespread impact on both the local ecosystem and potentially the global ecosystem.
Firstly, the presence of hazardous substances such as heavy metals, chemicals and other toxic materials poses serious risks to the environment and human health.These substances can persist in soil, water and air, potentially contaminating food sources, water supplies and air quality.Exposure to such pollutants can have detrimental effects on both wildlife and human populations, leading to longterm health problems and ecological imbalances.
Secondly, the presence of unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war poses a constant threat to the environment.These remnants can remain active for years or even decades, posing a constant danger to ecosystems and local communities.The presence of explosive materials can lead to accidental detonations, causing further destruction, loss of biodiversity and potential damage to human life and infrastructure.
Contamination and the presence of hazardous substances and unexploded ordnance not only affect the local environment, but can also have a transboundary impact on the global ecosystem.Pollutants can be transported by air and water flows, spreading beyond Ukraine and affecting neighboring countries and ecosystems.This can lead to water pollution, soil degradation and disruption of ecological processes in wider regions.
In addition, contamination and the presence of hazardous materials impede efforts to restore ecosystems and preserve the environment.The clean-up and rehabilitation of such contaminated areas requires significant resources, technical expertise and time.The diversion of resources to war response prevents them from being directed towards environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices, which negatively affects the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.
Thus, the contamination of hazardous substances and unexploded ordnance from the war in Ukraine poses a serious threat to both local and potentially global ecosystems.Efforts to mitigate and eliminate these hazards are crucial to minimize the environmental impact and restore the affected environment, not only for the well-being of the local population, but also for the preservation of the global ecosystem.
The process of cleaning up and rehabilitating these areas is essential for the well-being of both the population and the ecosystem.However, it is important to recognize that these efforts can also create environmental risks associated with the clean-up and rehabilitation of hazardous substances, unexploded ordnance and other remnants of war.

Socio-economic risks associated with environmental restoration
The socio-economic risks associated with environmental restoration as a result of war are also multifaceted and significant.
First, the financial burden of economic and environmental recovery after war can be enormous.The costs of clean-up, reclamation and ecosystem restoration projects can place a significant burden on Ukraine's budget, diverting resources that could be allocated to other pressing social and economic needs, such as healthcare, education and infrastructure development.
In addition, the restoration process itself can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized knowledge, technology and infrastructure.The lack of adequate resources and capacity for ecosystem restoration can further delay the recovery process, prolonging the socio-economic impact of war and impeding the return to normalcy for affected communities.
In addition, environmental damage caused by war often disrupts vital economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and natural resource extraction.Contaminated soil, water and air can render agricultural land unusable, leading to food shortages and loss of livelihood for farmers.Similarly, contaminated water sources can reduce the availability of clean drinking water, creating health risks and increasing the burden on healthcare systems.
The destruction of natural landscapes and ecosystems can also have a detrimental impact on tourism, which often relies on pristine environments and biodiversity.The decline in tourism revenues further exacerbates the economic challenges faced by post-war societies.
In addition, environmental degradation as a result of war can have long-term effects on economic development.A polluted environment and loss of biodiversity can hinder sustainable development efforts and impede the development of industries that rely on healthy ecosystems, such as renewable energy, ecotourism and sustainable agriculture.
Addressing these socio-economic risks requires an integrated approach that combines environmental restoration with sustainable development strategies.This involves investing in infrastructure, technology and human capacity to restore the environment, supporting affected communities through alternative livelihoods programs, and integrating environmental considerations into broader post-war reconstruction and development plans.This can mitigate socio-economic risks and pave the way for sustainable recovery.

Management risks associated with the restoration of the Ukrainian ecosystem
Ecosystem restoration in Ukraine faces several management risks that need to be addressed to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes (Fig. 3).The problem of the state's institutional capacity to restore the ecosystem in Ukraine is its ability to make effective decisions and implement them within the available resources, while ensuring minimum security standards to protect against criminal acts of the aggressor during the war.
However, weak institutional capacity poses a significant governance risk for ecosystem restoration in Ukraine.This includes limited experience, resources, and coordination mechanisms within the relevant state institutions responsible for environmental management and restoration efforts.Strengthening institutional capacity through capacity-building initiatives, training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms is crucial to improve the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration management.
Another challenge is an imperfect legal framework.Inconsistent or outdated environmental laws, regulations and policies can hinder the implementation of ecosystem restoration initiatives.Addressing these gaps requires comprehensive legal reforms, ensuring that the legal framework is in line with international standards, supports ecosystem restoration goals, and provides clear guidance for decision-making, planning, and implementation.
Fragmented governance structures further contribute to governance risks.Numerous agencies and actors often have overlapping or conflicting mandates, resulting in a lack of clear responsibilities and coordination mechanisms.Establishing integrated and multi-sectoral governance structures, promoting cooperation among relevant stakeholders, and facilitating effective communication and information sharing are necessary to overcome fragmentation and improve coordination of ecosystem restoration efforts.
Lack of coordination between stakeholders is a key management risk.Cooperation and engagement of different stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, NGOs and the private sector, is essential for successful ecosystem restoration.Strengthening stakeholder engagement mechanisms, establishing participatory decision-making processes, and promoting partnerships can help improve coordination and ensure that diverse perspectives and knowledge are incorporated into restoration initiatives.
Insufficient data and monitoring systems pose challenges to the effective management of ecosystem restoration.Adequate information on ecosystem conditions, baseline data and monitoring systems are essential for evidence-based decision-making, progress tracking and adaptive management.Investments in data collection, monitoring infrastructure and information-sharing platforms can increase the availability of reliable data, supporting informed decision-making and effective management.
Finally, problems with the implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation contribute to governance risks.Inconsistent enforcement, lack of accountability, and limited penalties for noncompliance can undermine ecosystem restoration efforts.Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, Addressing these governance risks requires comprehensive reforms that strengthen institutional capacity, improve legal frameworks, enhance coordination, promote stakeholder engagement, invest in data and monitoring systems, and enforce environmental laws.It also requires building partnerships, promoting transparency and ensuring accountability in ecosystem restoration management processes.By addressing these risks, Ukraine can increase the effectiveness and sustainability of ecosystem restoration efforts and achieve its environmental goals.

Long-term challenges that Ukraine needs to address on the path to ecological restoration
Ukraine faces several long-term on the path to environmental restoration, which are exacerbated by climate change and its associated impacts.These challenges must be addressed for the country's environmental and socio-economic stability.
One significant challenge is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.Climate change has led to more frequent heat waves, droughts, floods and storms in Ukraine.These events have the potential to cause widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture and ecosystems, further exacerbating the environmental degradation caused by the war.Addressing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and implementing climate-resilient measures will be crucial to mitigate these.
Sea level rise also poses a threat to Ukraine, especially along its coastal areas, such as the Black Sea coast and the Crimean Peninsula.Sea level rise can lead to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and loss of coastal ecosystems.Protecting and restoring coastal habitats, implementing coastal protection measures, and promoting sustainable land use practices will be important to mitigate these risks.
Changes in agricultural patterns due to climate change also pose challenges to Ukraine's food security and rural livelihoods.Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect yields, water availability and pest dynamics.Adaptation measures, such as promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving irrigation systems, and diversifying agricultural production, are crucial to ensuring food security and supporting rural communities.
In addition, Ukraine needs to address the long-term challenges of war-related pollution and environmental degradation.The contamination of soil and water, as well as the presence of unexploded ordnance and hazardous substances, require significant clean-up and restoration efforts.These processes must be carried out safely, taking into account potential risks to public health and long-term impacts on ecosystems.
To overcome these challenges, Ukraine should set priorities for sustainable development and resilience initiatives.This includes investing in renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, protecting and restoring ecosystems, strengthening environmental regulations, and integrating climate change into policy and planning processes.

Pathways and strategies that can guide Ukraine towards sustainable and resilient post-war environmental recovery
Several pathways and strategies can be applied to guide Ukraine towards sustainable and resilient post-war environmental recovery.These approaches are based on international best practices [23], policy frameworks [17] and multilateral cooperation [14] and include the following: 1. Robust environmental governance mechanisms.Ukraine needs to establish strong environmental governance mechanisms to effectively manage and restore its ecosystems.This includes establishing special institutions, agencies and departments responsible for environmental protection and restoration.These organizations should have the necessary powers, resources and expertise to coordinate and implement environmental policies and programs.
2. Enhanced environmental legislation.Improving environmental legislation is crucial to provide a strong legal framework for ecosystem restoration.Ukraine should review and update its environmental IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1269/1/01201811 legislation to ensure that it is in line with international standards and best practices.This includes regulations on pollution control, waste management, biodiversity conservation and land use planning.Strict enforcement and fines for non-compliance should be introduced to ensure effective remediation efforts.
3. Allocate resources for monitoring, enforcement and capacity building.Sufficient resources should be allocated to monitor and evaluate the progress of environmental remediation measures.This includes establishing monitoring systems to track environmental indicators, pollution levels and habitat restoration.Adequate funding should be allocated for enforcement actions to prevent illegal activities that may impede compensation.In addition, capacity building programs should be implemented to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals involved in environmental management and restoration.
4. Investing in green technologies.The transition to green technologies can play an important role in the environmental remediation of Ukraine.Encouraging renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Promoting energy efficiency measures and sustainable transport systems can further contribute to a low-carbon economy.Investing in research and development of green technologies can foster innovation and support the development of clean industries.
5. Sustainable agriculture and forestry.Promoting sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for restoring damaged landscapes and ensuring food security.Adopting practices such as organic farming, agroforestry and precision agriculture can improve soil health, conserve water resources and minimize the use of chemicals.Similarly, the implementation of sustainable forestry practices, including reforestation and sustainable timber harvesting, can contribute to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
6. Public-private partnerships.Cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential to achieve sustainable environmental restoration.Public-private partnerships can mobilize additional resources, expertise and technology.These partnerships can facilitate investment in environmental restoration projects, promote sustainable business practices, and support innovation in environmental technologies.Involving the private sector in conservation and restoration efforts can create economic opportunities and contribute to long-term sustainability.
7. Multilateral cooperation Ukraine should actively engage in multilateral cooperation to benefit from international expertise, funding and knowledge sharing.Cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Union (EU) and the World Bank can provide access to technical assistance, funding opportunities and capacity building programs.Participation in international environmental agreements and initiatives can also demonstrate Ukraine's commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development.
By implementing these strategies, Ukraine can move towards a sustainable and resilient post-war environmental recovery.This will require a comprehensive approach that combines good governance, strong legislation, investment in green technologies, sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation.These actions will help to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, reduce pollution and develop a sustainable and low-carbon economy for the benefit of current and future generations.

Conclusions
In summary, the post-war environmental rehabilitation of Ukraine requires a strong emphasis on restoring and protecting its natural resources, ecosystems and biodiversity.The extensive environmental damage caused by the war, including the contamination of destroyed industrial facilities, water pollution and land degradation, poses a significant threat to human health, agricultural productivity and the ecological balance of the region.These risks must be addressed to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.
Restoring and protecting natural resources, such as forests, wetlands and water bodies, is crucial to mitigating the adverse effects of war-related environmental damage.Efforts should focus on

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Environmental damage in Ukraine during the full-scale war, 2022 Source: formed by the authors based on[19]

9 Figure 3 .
Figure 3. Management risks associated with the restoration of the Ukrainian ecosystem Source: formed by the authors based on [23]

Table 1 .
02.2022 -21.06.2023, the estimated losses accrued by the State Environmental Inspectorate amount to UAH 1,982 billion (Table 1): Estimated damage to the ecosystem of Ukraine as a result of Russian military aggression

Table 2 .
Soil contamination as a result of military operations

Table 3 :
[19,20]f water pollutionSource: formed by the authors based on[19,20] enhancing compliance monitoring and ensuring effective penalties for environmental violations are important to promote a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship. 10