As part of his visit to Türkiye, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha took part in the events of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).

One of the key events was the opening of the National Pavilion of Ukraine under the slogan “Ukraine Is the Solution”. The pavilion showcases Ukraine’s climate policy, European reforms and approaches to green recovery amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

“For us, the energy transition is not a matter of policy, but a matter of survival,” the Minister stressed, emphasising that environmental protection is a matter of security for Ukraine.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs drew the attention of international partners to the devastating environmental consequences of Russian aggression. In particular, since 2022, the damage inflicted on Ukraine’s environment has been estimated at USD 190 billion. Up to 139,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory may be contaminated with mines and explosive ordnance. Other consequences include the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant by Russian forces and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The Minister also highlighted the impact of Russian strikes on Black Sea ports on global food security. According to him, global markets could face a shortfall of 30–32 million tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural products worth approximately USD 10 billion this season. This represents half of Ukraine’s export potential.

Andrii Sybiha emphasised that Ukraine has practical experience in ensuring the resilience of its energy system amid missile attacks, maintaining port operations amid shelling, and returning demined land to agricultural use.

The Minister called on international partners to take concrete steps: strengthen air defence capabilities to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and increase economic pressure on Russia, particularly by targeting the sources of funding for its war machine.

“Russia must pay for all the damage it has caused, including environmental damage. A just and lasting peace for Ukraine is a prerequisite for the climate security of Europe as a whole,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated.

During the opening of the National Pavilion of Ukraine, Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine Oleksandr Kravchenko, in his video address, emphasised the shared responsibility of Ukraine and Türkiye for protecting the Black Sea.

“As Black Sea neighbours, Ukraine and Türkiye understand that environmental security is inseparable from national security. The Black Sea is our common natural heritage, and protecting it is our joint responsibility,” Oleksandr Kravchenko noted.

On the sidelines of COP31, Andrii Sybiha held more than 15 meetings with international partners. Key topics included advancing a just peace, strengthening international support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. The Minister emphasised that diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the conference is ongoing.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked Türkiye for hosting COP31 and Australia for its partnership in leading the COP31 negotiations.