At the UN’s Main Global Forest Forum in New York, the consequences of Russian aggression for Ukraine’s forest ecosystems were discussed

At the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York, the team of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine presented a report on the impact of Russian aggression on Ukrainian forests and the priorities for their restoration.

«As a result of the full-scale war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, nearly one-third of Ukrainian forests have suffered various degrees of damage. One of the biggest challenges for the forestry sector remains the contamination of territories with explosive hazards. Currently, around 450,000 hectares of forest areas are affected. The total environmental damage and losses inflicted on Ukraine are estimated at more than USD 158 billion», - said Mariana Ostrovska, Head of the International Relations, Science and Public Relations Sector of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine.

She added that due to Russian military aggression, forest fires covering approximately 40,000 hectares have been recorded in territories controlled by Ukraine.

«Despite constant shelling and risks to life, Ukrainian foresters continue carrying out their work – planting new forests, extinguishing fires, and protecting wildlife», - Mariana Ostrovska emphasized during her speech.

According to her, in 2025 Ukraine restored 25.9 thousand hectares of forests and created new forests on an area of 1.2 thousand hectares. In addition, within the framework of the President of Ukraine’s “Green Country” initiative, 1 billion trees have been planted over four years.

«Despite the challenges of wartime, Ukraine’s forestry sector demonstrates significant progress on the path toward European integration. The European Union granted Ukraine the highest status – «country with low risk of deforestation and forest degradation». Ukraine has also confirmed its readiness to implement the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)», - noted the Head of the International Relations, Science and Public Relations Sector of the State Forest Resources Agency.

Mariana Ostrovska also stressed that Ukraine continues implementing close-to-nature forestry principles and advancing the digitalization of the forestry sector. A unique digital timber traceability chain is already operating, ensuring transparency in the Ukrainian timber market.

«The restoration of Ukraine’s forest ecosystems is our top priority. In this context, we count on expanding and strengthening cooperation with the entire civilized world to support the forestry sector of Ukraine and Europe», - Mariana Ostrovska concluded.

As a reminder, the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) is taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York from May 11 to 15. The Forum was established by the UN Economic and Social Council in 2000 and serves as the main international platform for intergovernmental dialogue, coordination, and cooperation development in the field of forest policy and sustainable forest management.