The Cost of “Conflict Carbon”: Russia Could Owe €37 Billion for Climate Damage in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused greenhouse gas emissions equal to 236.8 million tonnes of CO₂. Now, Russia may have to pay over €37 billion to Ukraine in what could become the world’s first climate-related war reparations.
Ukraine plans to submit its climate damage claim to the Council of Europe in early 2026, with the Register of Damage for Ukraine starting to accept claims in the coming months. Experts say this step is “unprecedented” and could hold Russia accountable for the war’s impact on the global climate, setting a new example for countries responsible for environmental damage during conflicts.
Russia’s Environmental Damage in Ukraine
The Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Accounting of War (IGGAW) calculated that Russia’s invasion released 236.8 million tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The war also destroyed or damaged about three million hectares of Ukrainian forests, reducing their ability to absorb 1.7 million tonnes of CO₂ each year.
Although Ukraine is less than 6% of Europe’s land, it contains a third of Europe’s biodiversity. The war has put over a thousand animal, plant, and fungi species at greater risk.
IGGAW’s report estimates that all this damage has a “social cost of carbon” of $43.8 billion (around €37.74 billion).
“Climate Is Also a Victim”
Pavlo Kartashov, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, said at COP30 in Brazil:
“Russia is fighting a dirty war, and our climate is also a victim. The fuel burned, forests burned, buildings destroyed, and materials used all create what we call ‘conflict carbon’ with a big climate cost.”
Kartashov added that while Ukrainians face immediate violence, the climate consequences will affect countries far beyond Ukraine and for years to come.
Ukraine’s Climate Compensation Claim
IGGAW’s report shows that both Ukrainian and Russian forces used 18 million tonnes of fuel and burned 1.3 million hectares of fields and forests. Hundreds of oil and gas facilities were destroyed, and large amounts of steel and cement were used to build fortifications.
The emissions from the war equal the annual emissions of Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia combined.
Lennard de Klerk, lead author of the report, said:
“We carefully documented Russia’s carbon emissions during the invasion. This will form the basis of Ukraine’s compensation claim. International law allows this, making Ukraine the first country to hold another accountable for war-related climate damage.”
“The Cost of War Cannot Go Unchallenged”
The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) supports Ukraine’s move. Militaries worldwide account for around 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Doug Weir, CEOBS director, said:
“Ukraine’s action sets a global example for holding states responsible for climate damage caused by war. The climate cost of war can no longer be ignored.”
What Happens Next?
In 2022, the UN General Assembly decided Russia should compensate Ukraine. Following this, the Council of Europe created the Register of Damage for Ukraine. Ukraine’s claim is supported by a historic ruling from the International Court of Justice this year, which recognized a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right, like access to food, water, and housing.
The Register of Damage also contains more than 9,700 personal claims for issues like displacement, forced labor, property destruction, and loss of housing.
Also Read:
Investment Opportunities in Europe’s Lifestyle Sector
Meloni’s Party Slams “Italian-Style” Goods in EU Parliament
How Tech Is Transforming Europe’s Beauty Market