Assessing pollution from explosive weapons in southern Ukraine

by the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) 

Authors highlight significant pollution, infrastructure damage, and threats to agriculture and ecosystems in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. By documenting the impact of explosive weapons on soil, water, and biodiversity, the report underscores the urgent need for recovery and remediation efforts to protect both human health and the environment.

The use of explosive weapons causes immense human suffering and severe infrastructure damage, often generating conflict pollution. This can include burning oil fires, toxic spills, unexploded munitions, and demolition waste, at times posing both immediate and long-term threats to civilians and the environment. Often overlooked, conflict pollution can affect air, water and soil quality, impacting human health, livelihoods and ecosystems.

We found that the use of explosive weapons had caused severe damage to critical infrastructure in Snihurivka in Mykolaiv region, including water treatment facilities, water towers, pumping stations, industrial plants, agricultural enterprises, irrigation canals, energy facilities and the railway station. Soil and water samples collected during the study revealed a range of pollutants, including heavy metals and hydrocarbons. While some contaminants exceeded safe concentration levels, they were not assessed to pose immediate risks to people. Our findings also suggested that the Kakhovka dam breach in 2023 had mobilized pre-existing conflict pollution, such as oil spills, into wider areas.

CEOBS’ research lead Dr Anna McKean said: “The study not only highlighted the range of pollutants associated with explosive weapons use but also the role that mine action operators can play in supporting the collection of data in insecure contexts like southern Ukraine. These methodologies can complement remote environmental analysis and so help increase understanding of conflict pollution risks.”