Ukraine’s main goal at UN climate change conference is to show consequences of Russia’s war on environment

At COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, one of the key objectives of the Ukrainian delegation is to highlight the environmental impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Svitlana Grynchuk stated this in an interview with the BBC, as reported by Ukrinform.

"One of our tasks at COP29 is to show the world the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine," Grynchuk emphasized.

According to the minister, these consequences include:

• Land mines.
• Burned forests.
• Severe water and air pollution.
• The significant loss of wildlife, including marine life.

"A quarter of Ukraine's land and forests are mined, and it will take decades to clear these areas," she explained.

Grynchuk also noted that COP29 is a strategically vital event for Ukraine.

"We aim to prevent Russia from including the occupied territories in its reports. Since 2014, Russia has incorporated Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions into its reports to the UN, which is unacceptable for us. Russia will also use this platform to push for the recognition of its occupation policies," she stated.

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) is taking place in Baku from November 11 to 22. This year, the Ukrainian pavilion is centered on the theme of recovery. Its walls, made from eco-friendly paper embedded with seeds, will be planted in Ukraine's partner countries after the conference as a symbol of collaborative efforts for the future.

Additionally, Ukrainian organizations presented a 3D installation at COP29 to illustrate the global consequences of Russian environmental crimes in Ukraine. The exhibit features immersive "real reality glasses" for visitors.