On the sidelines of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the Ukrainian delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegation of the Republic of Türkiye. The Turkish side was represented by Deputy Minister of Environment Ms. Fatma Varank.

The Ukrainian side informed the Turkish delegation about the systemic environmental challenges caused by Russian aggression, which began with the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and which have a transnational nature. The Ukrainian side emphasized that the consequences of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine extend far beyond our country’s borders, affecting the entire Black Sea region, the waterways connecting the Mediterranean and Danube basins, and, indirectly, the ecosystem of the world’s oceans.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to the threats to marine ecosystems caused by the militarization of the occupied territory of Crimea. Specific issues discussed included the mining of the area, the movement of military equipment, the construction of fortifications, shelling, explosions, and the discharge of military-related waste. Direct impacts on the marine environment include naval maneuvers, missile launches, noise pollution, as well as the sinking of military equipment, ammunition, and chemicals.

The participants agreed that the restoration of the Black Sea ecosystem requires broad international coordination. Only the full de-occupation of the Crimean Peninsula will pave the way for environmental stabilization of the region and the effective resolution of the consequences of military aggression.

The parties agreed that the restoration of the Black Sea ecosystem requires close international cooperation and the consolidation of efforts. The Ukrainian side emphasized that only the full liberation of the Crimean Peninsula from Russian occupation will create the necessary conditions for the region’s environmental security and the comprehensive elimination of the consequences of armed aggression.