Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko met with Mr. Pierre Carlo Sandei, Senior Programme Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Nelia Hrynyshyn, chief adviser of the Crimea Platform, also attended the meeting.

The parties discussed the environmental challenges caused by Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, particularly the ecological situation in the occupied Crimea and the broader Black Sea region. The conversation also covered the environmental consequences for the Crimean Peninsula following the incident involving Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait on 15 December 2024. Olha Kuryshko emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this issue and other environmental challenges at this year’s UN Ocean Conference, which will take place in France.

In addition, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko emphasized the importance of including the topic of Crimea in the work of the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine, taking into account the Strategy for the Recovery of Crimea after De-occupation and the We Build Crimea initiative. This platform is a high-level international initiative that brings together the Ukrainian government, international organizations, and development partners to ensure a coordinated and systemic approach to Ukraine’s green recovery.

During the meeting, Olha Kuryshko stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to assessing the environmental consequences of the war in the Black Sea. She pointed out that the issue goes beyond fuel oil spills and requires a broader analysis of the environmental situation in the region. Kuryshko also noted that over the 11 years of occupation, a series of environmental disasters have occurred on the peninsula, which will require proper monitoring and remediation after its de-occupation.

“We aim to focus the attention of the international community specifically on Crimea, as we recognize that the occupation of the peninsula in 2014 marked the beginning of Russia’s broader aggression. The crimes Russia committed in Crimea are now being repeated in newly occupied territories,” stated Olha Kuryshko.

The Permanent Representative also drew attention to the destruction of numerous natural sites in the occupied Crimea and the intensive exploitation of groundwater by the occupation administration.

During the discussion of environmental challenges caused by the war in Ukraine, UNEP Senior Programme Officer in Ukraine, Pierre Carlo Sandei, emphasized the importance of monitoring the ecosystem of Crimea and the Black Sea, as well as cooperating with the Ukrainian side in preparing informational materials for international events.

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges caused by the war and occupation. The participants also highlighted the need for active engagement of international partners to support Ukraine’s efforts in the recovery of the Crimean Peninsula following its de-occupation.