Ecocide of Ukraine's natural environment as a result of Russian aggression
According to the materials of scientific report at the meeting of the Presidium of NAS of Ukraine, November 19, 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/visn2026.01.059Keywords:
ecocide criteria, criminal offenses, populations, communities, biotopes, ecosystem services, population.Abstract
Based on the results of field studies conducted in the war-destructed ecosystems of Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, and Kherson regions, and a subsequent analysis of expert opinions, six verified ecocide criteria were established (five biocentric and one anthropocentric). The proposed system for qualifying ecocide is based on five key conceptual features: structural consistency (alignment with the levels of living systems), criticality of existence (utilization of the IUCN 'Endangered' or 'Critically Endangered' categories), spatial localization (alignment with natural zones), temporal verification (a three-year monitoring period), and alternative relevance (the sufficiency of meeting at least one criterion). The application of these criteria will allow for a clear distinction between environmental crimes and grave international crimes — namely, crimes against peace, security of mankind, and international legal order, a category to which ecocide belongs.
Cite this article:
Khodosovtsev O.Ye. Ecocide of Ukraine's natural environment as a result of Russian aggression (according to the materials of scientific report at the meeting of the Presidium of NAS of Ukraine, November 19, 2025). Visn. Nac. Akad. Nauk Ukr. 2026. (1): 59—66. https://doi.org/10.15407/visn2026.01.059
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