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The Impact of the Russia–Ukraine War on Water Resources and Infrastructure of Ukraine—A Comprehensive Review

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  • Valentina-Mariana Manoiu

    (Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard 1, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mihnea-Stefan Costache

    (“Simion Mehedinți” Doctoral School, Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard 1, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Miruna-Amalia Nica

    (“Simion Mehedinți” Doctoral School, Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard 1, 010041 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

The Russo–Ukrainian conflict (RUC) escalated on 24 February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale military operation in Ukraine. Our review aims to present the impact of the RUC on Ukrainian water resources and infrastructure. Its primary objective was to analyze 61 relevant papers, selected and screened according to the PRISMA methodology, concerning changes in inland and marine water quality, employing diverse scientific and analytical methods, and technical tools. Key recurring themes included “Ukraine”, “Russian-Ukrainian War”, and “Ecocide”. Beyond assessing the environmental consequences of destroyed treatment plants, supply systems, and sewerage units, as the secondary objective, the review introduces the concept of “ aquacide ”—the deliberate or incidental destruction and contamination of water infrastructures and resources during military operations. The most severe cases were documented in southern and eastern Ukraine, with the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam standing out as the most widely reported “ aquacide ”. Finally, the review highlights the critical role of satellite imagery and remote sensing as the most effective tools in monitoring water quality and infrastructures under wartime conditions, when in situ observations and measurements are often impossible.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentina-Mariana Manoiu & Mihnea-Stefan Costache & Miruna-Amalia Nica, 2025. "The Impact of the Russia–Ukraine War on Water Resources and Infrastructure of Ukraine—A Comprehensive Review," World, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-30, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:3-:d:1830704
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