Lecture 'Environmental Dimension of Russian Aggression against Ukraine: Questions of Qualification and Responsibility'

The most terrible loss in an armed conflict is human life. At the same time, war also causes damage to other objects and values protected by international law, such as human health, honour and dignity, property and nature. In the context of armed conflict, nature is both a direct and indirect object of protection. Violations of the rules of warfare enshrined in international humanitarian law entail the responsibility of the offending state and in some cases qualify as war crimes.

The damage caused to the environment of Ukraine as a result of the annexation, occupation and hostilities on the territory of Ukraine is significant. Evidence of the environmental damage caused by the armed conflict as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine is contained in reports and statements by international organisations, Ukrainian government authorities, media reports and research by non-governmental organisations.

Issues to be discussed during the lecture

• Criminal liability of the perpetrators of environmental crimes committed during the Ukrainian-Russian armed conflict.
• Peculiarities of the application of Article 441 "Ecocide" of the Criminal Code of Ukraine during and in connection with the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
• Possible individual criminal liability for the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
• Liability for the undermining of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam under Ukrainian criminal law.
• Documentation of environmental damage as a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.