Ukrainian Ecologists Document Russian Ecocide Amidst the Fog of War

Destruction of Kakhovka Dam Unleashes Environmental Catastrophe, Threatening Wildlife and Ecosystems in War-Torn Ukraine

In the early hours of June 6, 2023, the Kakhovka Dam in southeastern Ukraine was destroyed, unleashing a torrent of water that has since been described as an environmental catastrophe. The dam’s destruction, attributed to Russian forces, released trillions of gallons of contaminated water, causing widespread ecological damage and rendering vast areas of land unusable. This event has prompted Ukrainian ecologists and prosecutors to document what they term as an act of ecocide, aiming to hold Russia accountable amidst the ongoing conflict.

Ecocide is defined as the "mass destruction of flora and fauna, poisoning of air or water resources, and other actions that may cause environmental disaster”. It involves unlawful or wanton acts committed with the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment. The term is used to describe large-scale environmental destruction, often in the context of war, where the environment is intentionally targeted as a weapon, leading to profound ecological and human impacts.

The Immediate Impact

The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam has had profound immediate and long-term consequences. The floodwaters inundated downstream communities, displacing thousands of residents and causing significant damage to infrastructure. The Kakhovka reservoir, which played a crucial role in providing energy, drinking water, irrigation, and river transport, was drained, affecting nearly 80 settlements and potentially disrupting the lives of around 100,000 inhabitants directly, with up to one million people losing access to drinking water.

The floodwaters, contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins, have posed severe health risks. The release of hazardous chemicals from manufacturing plants downstream has increased the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera and diarrhea. The flooding has also led to the destruction of residential properties, with more than 2,500 homes severely damaged or destroyed.

Kakhovka Dam and Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Plant prior to Russian attack. Photo by Дзюбак Володимир courtesy of Wikipedia.

Long-Term Environmental Consequences

The environmental impact of the dam's destruction is expected to be long-lasting. The floodwaters have caused significant loss of biodiversity and disrupted ecosystems in the region. Protected areas, including the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, have been severely affected, with an estimated loss of over $6.4 billion in environmental damage.

The contamination of water sources and soil has rendered large areas of land unusable for agriculture, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Ukrainian ecologists and scientists are meticulously collecting soil and water samples to document the environmental damage. This effort aims to build a case against Russia for ecocide, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) already investigating the incident. The ICC's involvement underscores the significance of this event in the context of international humanitarian law.

The Human Toll

Personal narratives from individuals like Oleh Kaidashov, an ecologist working in the region, highlight the challenges and dangers of collecting samples in a war zone. “Each sample-taking trip could be the last,” said Kaidashov. “The Island is usually attacked with Grads. Russians sometimes drive a tank to the bank and fire from there”. Grads are a Soviet-designed multiple rapid rocket launcher. The flooding caused by the dam’s collapse created numerous "islands", making access difficult and dangerous. This isolation complicates efforts to collect environmental samples and assess the damage.

The psychological impact on the affected population is significant, with many residents facing displacement and loss of livelihoods. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam has also had a severe impact on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The loss of the Kakhovka hydro power plant, a crucial source of clean energy, has made system balancing more challenging and costly. The potential loss of the primary cooling water source for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant further exacerbates the already challenging nuclear safety and security situation.

Settlements on the left bank of Dnieper River are underwater after the Kakhovka Dam was breached. Photo by АрміяInform courtesy of armyinform.com.ua

Wildlife Devastation

The impact on wildlife has been catastrophic. The destruction of the dam has decimated riparian wildlife, with extensive habitat destruction and water contamination. Ukrainian conservation groups report that the floodwaters have killed numerous animals and destroyed critical habitats, affecting fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) has outlined the potential long-term impact, indicating that some species may take years to recover, while others may face permanent damage. The flooding has submerged significant portions of the Kherson region, leaving behind polluted terrain and threatening various species of wildlife. The immediate concerns include the loss of fish, contamination of water sources, and destruction of habitats. The aftermath of the disaster will likely have long-term effects on the ecosystem, with the recovery process projected to be slow and uneven.

The Quest for Accountability

Ukraine is pushing for the recognition of ecocide as an international crime, seeking to hold Russia accountable for the environmental devastation caused by the dam's destruction. The ICC's investigation is a crucial step in this direction, but the path to justice is fraught with challenges. The fog of war makes it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the damage and to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, one thing remains clear: the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam is a sad reminder of the devastating impact of war on the environment and human lives. As Edwin Starr famously tried to warn us, "War: what is it good for? Absolutely nothing," a sentiment that resonates deeply in the wake of this environmental catastrophe.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. He is available for consultations. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.