Environmental activist Greta Thunberg arrives in Kyiv to discuss ecological impact of Russia’s war

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has arrived in Kyiv to join the International Working Group on Environmental Crimes of Russia.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly met with members of the International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War, including former Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Parliament Heidi Hautala, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and the environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Thank you for being here today. This is an extremely important signal of support for Ukraine. We really need your professional assistance, the President said.

Zelensky drew attention to the catastrophic consequences of the explosion of the Kakhovka dam faced by the residents of the Kherson region.

Russia must be held accountable for the ecocide, according to Ukraine's side. An effective mechanism should be created to overcome the environmental consequences, which is part of Zelenskyy's Peace Formula.

The International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War will reportedly work to assess the environmental consequences of the war, both existing and future, and develop recommendations for punishing Russia for environmental crimes.

It is important to suggest a set of measures to help Ukrainians from the temporarily occupied settlements. These are our people who must receive the necessary support in such a difficult moment, Zelensky emphasized.

The co-founder of the International Working Group, Margot Wallström, stressed solidarity and assistance to Ukraine in this difficult time of war. It is vital to ensure possible global support for the main activities of the International Working Group, she says.

The environmental activist Greta Thunberg thanked for the invitation and emphasized that she would engage representatives of environmental NGOs to draw attention to the environmental consequences of the war.

Former Irish President Mary Robinson emphasized on the great efforts made by Ukraine to overcome environmental problems during the war.

Heidi Hautala, Vice President of the European Parliament, noted that Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrated the severity of crimes against the environment throughout the war and that Ukrainian law clearly defines it as ecocide.

The issue of responsibility for these crimes should be addressed both at the national and international levels.