Mr President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the States of the Lublin Triangle - Lithuania, Poland, and my own country, Ukraine.

We are deeply concerned that most people worldwide do not enjoy clean air, primarily due to insufficient environmental protection. Military conflicts and wars are among the most devastating factors which cause severe destruction of nature with long-term consequences.

Ukraine is one of the most tragic examples. Russia’s war of aggression has caused unprecedented environmental destruction, leading to biodiversity loss and widespread pollution of air, soil, and water. Forest fires from shelling, deliberate arson as a tool of hybrid warfare, and contamination from explosions have further exacerbated the situation.

Russia’s invasion has devastated the environment by targeting chemical storage sites, industrial facilities, and energy infrastructure. More than twelve years of war have left Ukraine with a toxic legacy: polluted air, rivers, soil, and collapsed ecosystems.

This devastation is not temporary. Its consequences threaten the health and livelihoods of Ukrainians, especially children and vulnerable groups, for generations.

Thus, we call on the Special Rapporteur to pay utmost attention to this urgent issue and ensure it is prominently highlighted in future reports to the Council.

Thank you!