Staff Reports
Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate change activist, recently visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the environmental damage caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine. Thunberg took the opportunity to criticize the global response to the recent flooding in Russian-occupied areas of the Kherson region, which was caused by a blast to the Kakhovka dam. The destruction from the flooding is estimated at $1.3 billion, and Ukraine is investigating it as a potential war crime or criminal ecological destruction.
Thunberg expressed her disappointment in the world’s reaction to this “ecocide,” stating that she doesn’t believe any reaction could be sufficient. She called for more awareness and information sharing about the environmental impact of wars and the stories of those affected. While her concerns are valid, it’s important to note that flooding has been used as a weapon of war by both Russia and Ukraine, in a tactic known as hydraulic warfare.
This tactic has been used before, dating back to Stalin’s Soviet secret police in 1941, who blew a dam to slow down Nazi advance in Ukraine. It was also used during World War II and in the Chinese war theater to hinder invading troops. While evidence points to Russia’s involvement in the recent flooding, there are alternative theories that suggest they may have done it strategically to divert Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts and strengthen their own positions.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Ukraine has also used hydraulic warfare to impede Russian advances. They deliberately breached dams and flooded rivers to defend Kyiv and shape the outcome of battles in the war. This has resulted in the destruction of homes and farmlands in the surrounding areas.
Thunberg and the environmentalists are right in highlighting the negative impact of explosives on the environment. Ukraine currently has the highest number of landmines in the world, contaminating approximately 30 percent of their territory. The presence of mines and unexploded bombs poses a significant threat to the environment and the safety of the people.
The environment should no longer be the silent victim of war. At the first meeting of the High-Level Working Group convened by President @ZelenskyyUA, we addressed the destructive effects of Russia's aggression on nature in 🇺🇦 and beyond. Grateful to @margotwallstrom,… pic.twitter.com/8K5Eu3qbD6
— Andriy Kostin (@AndriyKostinUa) June 29, 2023
In conclusion, while Thunberg brings attention to important environmental issues, it is essential to consider the complexities of the situation and the involvement of both Russia and Ukraine in using hydraulic warfare tactics. The war between the two nations has brought significant destruction to the environment, and until there is a peaceful resolution, the damage is likely to continue.
Source: RedState
