Environmental and Psychological Effects of Russian War in Ukraine

Abstract

Russia invasion on Ukraine has extensive and unprecedented negative impacts on natural environment and human life. Since saving human lives and protecting nuclear establishments are a priority, the environmental destruction has even not been assessed fully. Russian war imposed on Ukraine has, no doubt, caused serious negative consequences on Ukrainian people and rest of the planet Earth. A massive damage to industrial and civil infrastructure has contaminated soil, water and food sources, which are hazardous not only for human but also for the ecosystem health. In addition to the devastating environmental effects, Ukrainian citizens are facing triple psychological problems: as human, as environmental repercussions, and as their national identity. Based on limited literature, this paper has compiled and reviewed the environmental consequences and psychological effects of Russian war in Ukraine in two interdependent parts: (a) Environmental Damages from Russian War in Ukraine, and (b) Psychological Injuries from Environmental Damage. The environmental damages covered include industries and chemical pollution, shelling-generated fires, pollution and waste from military vehicles, pollution by weapons and missiles, refugees-caused emissions, nuclear pollution, loss of water bodies, and damages to wildlife, biodiversity, ecosystems, to fuel and associated infrastructure, to mining operations, to ambient air quality, and to urban infrastructure. Based on narrative review of literature, this paper addresses the psychological effects of environmental pollution or damages caused by Russian war. Foremost psychological symptom of the war appears in the form of fear and uncertainty followed by direct threats to peoples’ lives. Various stressors contribute to anxiety, panic, mild or severe depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related disorders that severely affect public health.