Earth Day in a War Zone: Ukraine’s Silent Environmental Crisis
April 22, 2024. Earth Day. Amid the ongoing war and all of its attendant crises, sorrows and stresses, Ukraine is a country grappling with severe ecological devastation – often an afterthought of institutional violence.
Russia’s aggression has inflicted a deep wound on Ukraine’s environment. From poisoned air and water due to attacks on industrial facilities, to ravaged landscapes scarred by shelling and bombing, the natural world is a hidden victim of this war. A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates the war has caused $1 billion in environmental damages in Ukraine so far, threatening not only Ukraine’s future but the health of our entire planet.
War Crimes with Lasting Impacts
Russia’s war crimes go beyond immediate destruction:
- Deliberate targeting of environmental infrastructure – аttacks on water treatment plants and oil refineries have led to widespread contamination of water sources and air pollution.
- Landmine contamination – мillions of landmines laid across some 30% of Ukrainian territory, pose a long-term threat to civilians and wildlife, hindering agricultural production and safe land use.
- Destruction of protected areas – military activity has damaged or destroyed national parks and reserves, jeopardizing unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Around 600,000 hectares of Ukrainian forest has been damaged by the war, some 32% of the country’s total.
- Pollution from toxic waste: over 950,000 tons of waste from destroyed equipment are leaching into the land. For more impact data go to https://mepr.gov.ua/
Environmental Crimes by Russia
Odesa (Black Sea)
Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in 2023 and attacks on maritime vessels threaten a major ecological disaster in the Black Sea. Millions of tons of grain in Ukrainian ports are essential for global food security, and a disruption in their export could lead to shortages and price hikes. Additionally, the risk of sunken ships releasing pollutants like oil and hazardous materials is high, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems and potentially harming fish populations crucial to the Black Sea’s food chain. This environmental damage could have long-lasting consequences, impacting not just Ukraine but the entire Black Sea region. (Source)
Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
In 2022, Russian forces occupied the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, including the decommissioned Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, raising concerns about potential damage to the fragile containment structures and the release of radioactive materials. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, any breach of containment could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine and surrounding areas. These contemporary concerns compound the nearly 40 year aftermath of the original Chornobyl meltdown, considered the worst nuclear disaster in history. (Source)
Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam
Russia’s control over the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River was devastating. In June 2023, an explosion tore through a significant section of the dam (estimated at 85 meters long). The dam break caused catastrophic flooding downstream, inundating over 600 square kilometers of land, including agricultural fields and villages on both sides of the Dnipro River. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate to escape the rising waters. (Source)
The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam also crippled a critical source of hydroelectric power for Ukraine. The dam’s power station generated a significant amount of electricity, and its loss puts additional strain on Ukraine’s already stressed energy grid.
TEC Trypilska
In a recent attack on April 11, 2024, Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones that completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, according to Ukrainian officials. This attack did not just cause damage, but also severe air pollution from burning coal stores, and it eliminated a critical source of power generation for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions. (Source)
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Beyond the documented environmental damage, another looming threat hangs over Ukraine: the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe. Currently under Russian control, the plant has been repeatedly shelled, raising international concerns about a potential nuclear catastrophe. According to CNN, recent shelling of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on April 7, 2024, damaged a non-reactor building. (Source)
Hope for Renewal: How You Can Help on Earth Day
This Earth Day, we encourage you to stand with Ukraine in its fight for environmental renewal. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donate: Razom Relief, in collaboration with the EBRD, has launched a fundraising initiative to help communities in liberated areas rebuild their lives and restore their land. Your contribution up to $30,000 will be matched 1:1 by the EBRD, doubling your impact. Funds will be used to:
- Distribute seeds, trees, and fertilizers for agricultural revival.
- Provide small livestock to support families in need.
- Build greenhouses for sustainable food production.
- Repair roofs and windows for war-torn homes.
Learn more: HERE
Donate your vehicle: Another pathway for you to support Razom is vehicle donation. Through our partnership with NCS, donating your car, RV, boat, motorcycle, or another vehicle is an easy, secure, and tax-deductible way to contribute. Please note that while your donation helps support our mission, the vehicle itself will not be sent to Ukraine. However, your generosity will still make a significant impact. It’s not only generous but also sustainable.
Learn more: HERE
Spread Awareness: Share this information with your friends, family and community. The more people who know about the environmental impact of the war, the more support we can generate for Ukraine’s recovery.
Let’s continue to stand with Ukraine and work towards a hopeful future when peace and environmental sustainability can flourish. Together, we can make a difference!
Research Project Championing Freedom: Increasing Popular Support for Pro-Democracy Causes
Research Project Championing Freedom: Increasing Popular Support for Pro-Democracy Causes
Razom’s Advocacy program is working to enhance engagement with American audiences in order to establish popular, long-term support for Ukraine in the United States.
As part of its advocacy work, Razom received a grant supporting a project titled Championing Freedom. Its purpose was to understand what motivates Americans to support pro-democracy causes and be in favor of government support for a fight for freedom outside the U.S., as in the example of Ukraine.
The Championing Freedom project lasted six-months and examined how Americans, as well as pro-democracy activists around the world, identify with democratic causes. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the case study used to better understand just how Americans think about supporting and defending democracy. The project was conducted in cooperation with Ukrainian civil society groups, global pro-democracy campaigners, friends of Ukraine, and other communicators already working in this space.
The results of the research can be applied by pro-democracy movements to activate popular support for foreign nations under invasion that is committed to preserving their democracy.
Key findings
The key question this research sought to answer is how Americans feel, perceive, and understand Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
- Poll results consistently indicated that the majority of Americans, despite multiple media manipulations, want to continue to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion.
The poll conducted in August, 2023 showed that 63% of Americans support continuing military support for Ukraine in next year’s federal budget. The poll, conducted in October, confirmed that 60% of U.S. voters believe that America’s allies and enemies would view a U.S. withdrawal of military support for Ukraine as a sign of weakness.
However, the resumption of the Israel-Palestine conflict introduced a split among the respondents, with some demonstrating less support for military aid to Ukraine if aid is linked to Israel, while others indicated more support.
- Americans strongly believe that Putin is a major threat to the US. Putin received the lowest approval rating among all the world political leaders across all the audiences – 85% total unfavorable; 74% very unfavorable. Americans do not like bullies and see Putin as a bully.
Messages that place Putin as the main villain and mastermind of the war against Ukraine and other conflicts around the world performed best in persuading Americans to support Ukraine.
- Americans root for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, but they do not see either side winning.
70% of Americans believe that Ukraine should win the war imposed by Russia — this number holds throughout time — however, they do not see any side currently winning.
This response is important; winning is crucial for Americans to become invested in any conflict. Currently, Americans do not have a vision of a Ukrainian victory, and shaping that vision would be integral to obtaining popular support in the U.S.
When describing a timeline for the commitment to a struggle, many Americans hear “as long as it takes” as code for “forever”. Proclaiming “victory” as the end goal of aiding Ukraine is crucial to obtaining and sustaining popular support in the U.S.
Survey results indicated that the goal of “defending democracy” lacks broad appeal in the U.S. because different segments of Americans understand the word “democracy” differently. “Defending freedom” unites and motivates Americans more.
Comprehensive interviews with members of the general public indicate that Americans feel that their nation is weak and ineffectual, and are cynical about America’s goodness as a nation. Respondents once again want to feel strong, effective and good. They want their country to lead, but also want that the burden of leadership be shared with the allies. Most think that European allies are not doing their fair share in the war, and should be doing more. Whether it is true or not, this is how Americans perceive their role in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.
- Finer segmentation of polling indicated that an anti-Ukrainian mood prevails in a small segment of the conservative minority. However, that small segment more positively views support for Ukraine after learning that the U.S. spent less than 3% of its defense budget to destroy 50% of Russian armed forces, and that Ukraine has regained over 50% of previously occupied territories. The information that most boosted support was the persecution of Evangelical Christians by Russian occupational forces in Ukraine.
Key arguments
From our research, there are key points Americans need to know to sustain popular support for
Ukraine. Americans need to know the main facts about events in Ukraine,and most do not have accurate information, therefore sharing key arguments is crucial.
- Ukraine is not involved in a regional “squabble” with Russia. It is fighting for its freedom and for the right to govern itself.
- Although the situation is complex, given the U.S.’ vast experience and capabilities, America is up for the task, and has a clear path to victory.
- Getting involved is critical both for U.S. national security and because morally, when innocent lives are at stake, supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do.
- Ukraine is not in a “forever war” and the U.S. is not going in blind. America has the resources for assisting Ukraine and will do everything possible to preserve the lives of not only Americans but of those who are defenseless and oppressed.
- The stakes couldn’t be clearer—either we live in a world where bullies roll over defenseless innocents or we stand up for freedom, we stand up for innocent lives, and we work with other nations to win a better future for us all.
- Ukrainians are making good use of American aid and making progress against Russia. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over. Civilians, churches, and schools are still being targeted and hurt by Russian forces. Americans can’t let that stand.
Key stories
Beyond polling, another element of this project was a series of deep-dive interviews with a representative group of American voters. When combined with the polling data, a pattern of narratives emerged around how Americans identify with and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
Heroic Moments from Shared History
For many Americans, helping Ukraine is a chance for the U.S. to be a hero to the world, just as in World War II. The American Revolution of 1776 is sacred to both Americans and Ukrainians. Describing Ukraine’s fight as a revolt against Russia’s colonial domination—or Ukraine’s own “1776 moment”— can inspire Americans and make them more closely identify with Ukraine.
Respecting Order, Protecting Innocents
Many Americans are deeply offended and moved by Russia’s abuse of innocent lives: the bombing of civilians, abduction of children, rape of women, and other war crimes. They need to hear the stories that bring to life Russia’s rule-breaking, use of torture, and targeting of civilians beyond more abstract claims that Russia is “violating international law.” Narrating the suffering and bravery of Ukrainian civilians living in Russian-occupied areas gives Americans a better understanding of Ukraine’s stake and motivation in this war.
Doing What’s Right *
Narratives about America’s fundamental desire to oppose evil and fight for good; America’s role as the world’s most powerful nation should be provided. Stories should narrate fundamental values—the right to safety, security, freedom, and self-determination. When a major power attacks a small nation, most Americans want the U.S. to side with David and beat Goliath.
* America’s stance in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, however, detracted from this argument as many Americans see a double standard in how the U.S. has responded to the protection of innocents in the Middle East conflict and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Winning a Safe, Freer Future
The fundamental purpose of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is for Russia to define the future of humanity: oppression vs. freedom; liberty vs. censorship; impunity vs. the rule of law. Offering a vision of a future where Ukraine’s victory makes the world safer and deters future authoritarian aggression motivates Americans to be more invested in Ukraine’s cause.
Summary
The research demonstrated that content featuring Putin as an enemy of the free world and the U.S. as a force for good, works for different audiences, especially conservative and independent ones, to amplify support for Ukraine. Since Putin enjoys an extremely low approval rating even among anti-Ukrainian audiences in the U.S., the most universally persuasive messages would focus on him personally.
Based on research insights, Razom, in partnership with Spirit of America, produced an ad that features Col. Matt Dimmick, who went to Ukraine and is an avid advocate in the U.S. of Ukrainian victory.
Overall, Americans’ hearts are in the right place: the majority of people are motivated to support causes to help civilians and vulnerable populations and to safeguard justice and freedom for all. What Americans lack are awareness and reliable facts. Due in part to a competitive information environment, people repeat a set of statements they hear from public figures and in the media (e.g. that the war is a “territorial dispute”, Ukraine is “too corrupt”, the U.S. has given Ukraine a “blank check”, etc.). These types of statements disperse public attention from Ukraine and refocus it on Americans’ deepest anxieties and concerns.
Educational and informative campaigns aimed at boosting awareness about Ukraine and providing Americans with reliable information from resources they trust, are key to securing popular support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.
This research was conducted in real time and the results were influenced by a fast-moving news cycle. Future research would be beneficial to ensure these findings stay relevant.
Project team
Katya Pavlevych, Project Manager, Razom for Ukraine
Gretchen Barton, Team Lead, Worthy Strategy Group
Kirk Cheyfitz and Rose Hackman, Narrative Development & Strategy, Kirk Cheyfitz/ Political Narrative,
Stephen Clermont, Polling Lead, Change Research
Ellen Kirk, Creative Project Manager
Milan De Vries, Content Testing and Analysis
This research was supported by the Temerty Foundation and Open Society Foundation.
Razom For Ukraine Announces New Advocacy Advisory Board Members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2023
Contact:
Nana Gongadze, Head of Advocacy Communications
nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org
Razom For Ukraine Welcomes New Advocacy Advisory Board Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Razom Advocacy, a program of Razom for Ukraine committed to advancing Ukrainian victory, announces the addition of three new members of its Advocacy Advisory Board. Composed of experienced leaders, the advisory board will guide the Razom Advocacy team as it seeks to ensure that Ukraine receives the tools it needs for a swift victory.
The three new members are:
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Gen. Philip Breedlove (ret.), Former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
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Mark Levin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, National Coalition for Supporting Eurasian Jewry
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Steven Moore, President, Ukraine Freedom Project
“We are thankful to these influential experts and executives for joining our Razom Advocacy Advisory Board. They bring decades of experience in the military, international politics, and the government, and have already done so much to help Ukraine at this critical time. Together, we will continue to work relentlessly to make sure Ukraine gets the resources it needs for victory,” said Mykola Murskyj, Director of Advocacy for Razom for Ukraine
Established in the United States in 2014, Razom strives to create a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Razom Advocacy was created in March 2022 as part of Razom’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, Razom has raised more than $100 million for emergency relief and psychological assistance to Ukrainian civilians, supplies and generators for medical facilities, tactical medicine and communications gear for the armed forces, and support for Ukrainian cultural projects.
New members join the existing Razom Advocacy Advisory Board, which includes:
Dr. Anders Åslund, Senior Fellow at the Stockholm Free World Forum for Global Affairs
Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Victor J. Herlinsky, Jr., Attorney, Sills, Cummis & Gross
Yevhen Hlibovytsky, Partner, Pro.Mova Consulting
Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (ret.), Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
The Honorable Tom Malinowski, Former Representative for New Jersey’s 7th District, U.S. House of Representatives
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head, Center for Civil Liberties & 2022 Nobel Laureate
Nate Mook, Former CEO, World Central Kitchen
Nataliya Popovych, Founder & President, One Philosophy & WeAreUkraine
Christina Walsh, Senior Director of Activism and Coalitions, Institute for Justice
Diane Zeleny, Head of External Affairs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
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For media inquiries or other questions, Nana Gongadze at nana.gongadze@razomforukraine.org. Razom (“together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping build a more democratic and prosperous Ukraine. More information is available at RazomForUkraine.org.
Razom and Partners Welcome Delegation from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations
Header image: Delegation with Senator Chuck Grassley
Razom, in cooperation with Nova Ukraine, HTX4UKRAINE and MedGlobal, recently hosted a delegation of distinguished religious leaders from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) for advocacy programming in Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas.
The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) was established in 1996 as an interdenominational institution, aiming to unite the efforts of various denominations to focus on the spiritual revival of Ukraine, coordination of interconfessional dialogue in Ukraine and abroad, participation in a legislative process on church-state issues, and the implementation of comprehensive charitable actions. It is one of the largest nonprofits in Ukraine and represents over 95% of religious communities in Ukraine, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities.
During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings with U.S. government officials, church counterparts, local communities, and media outlets, while also attending a range of public events.
The delegation shared information and perspectives on the state of religious freedoms in Ukraine and highlighted Russia’s disinformation efforts. They also exchanged insights with their U.S. counterparts, shedding light on how Ukrainian religious communities have responded to Russia’s invasion and the profound impact of Russia’s aggression on religious life within Ukraine.
Highlights included:
- An interfaith panel with the Atlantic Council at the US Institute for Peace, moderated by Marie Yovanovitch, former Ambassador to Ukraine, followed by a USIP private roundtable.
- A meeting at the State Department with Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain
- A panel discussion at Hudson Institute moderated by Nina Shea
- Meeting with USAID, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Senator Chuck Grassley, the Heritage Foundation, ADAMS Center, the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry and more
- A meeting with Commissioner Eric Ueland and Ex. Dir. Erin Singshinsuk at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
- A trip to the White House for a meeting with Kelly Razzouk, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy
- A conversation with the American Jewish Committee, hosted by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston
- A special Ukraine Gratitude Dinner in Houston hosted by Ecclesia Houston Christian Community, featuring Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
The visit highlighted the unity and diversity of Ukrainian religious communities in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and gave the leaders a chance to spread their message to a wider audience through interviews with the press.
Press coverage highlights include:
- On a US tour, Ukrainian faith leaders plead for continued support against the Russian invasion – by Peter Smith, Associated Press
- Catholic Church in Ukraine facing extermination, bishops say – by Peter Pinedo, Catholic News Service
- Russia is attacking religious freedom in Ukraine. Does Mike Johnson care? – by Karen Tumulty, The Washington Post
- Ukrainian Church Leaders Sound Alarm on Russia’s Use of Religious ‘Jihadist’ Language to Prop Up War Effort – by David Zimmerman, National Review
- Ukrainian faith leaders say if Russia prevails, religious freedoms would be curtailed – Kate Scanlon, Catholic Standard
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners and friends for engaging with the UCCRO delegation last week and helping us organize this trip!
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