You're reading: Poroshenko at climate conference says Donbas ecology reaches threatening point

PARIS - President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has a threat of ecology catastrophe exists in Donbas.

“My country became the object of hybrid warfare. The hybrid warfare, which results in hybrid consequences. One of them – the risk of environmental disaster in the eastern part of Ukraine – Donbas,” the president said delivering a speech at International Climate Conference in Paris on Nov. 30.

He said that Russia-backed terrorists flooded many mines in this area; their criminal actions led to poisoning drinking water, soils, flora and fauna of the region.

“Donbas became a shooting range for Russian and pro-Russian troops. As a result, the ground and atmosphere are heavily polluted with exploded ammo as well as with leakage from shelled chemical and other sensitive industrial plants,” Poroshenko stressed.

He said the issue of environment protection under the conditions of conflict can no longer remain without adequate response of international community.

“This problem, among others, will be in focus of our activities within the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations Environment Programme,” he added.

Despite all challenges, the president said “Ukraine remains firmly committed to our obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.”