Svetlana Grinchuk highlighted Ukraine's dual challenges: "Addressing the aftermath of Russian aggression while establishing a new climate policy."

The war significantly hampers efforts to combat climate change, putting Ukraine in a dual challenge – addressing the consequences of Russian aggression while developing a new climate policy.

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Over the past 30 years, the average temperature in our country has risen by 1.2°C. This impacts all areas of our lives – from agriculture to water supply – and threatens food security. Explosions, fires, damaged oil refineries and chemical plants, along with destroyed infrastructure, exacerbate the climate crisis – during nearly three years of war, there have been around 180 million tons of additional CO2-equivalent emissions.

Despite everything, we continue to restore ecosystems and are also developing infrastructure to implement climate policy. Our journey – both completed and outlined for the coming years – was shared with international partners and the media at COP29.

Among the key points:

• Ukraine has already adopted a framework climate law that brings us closer to the EU and fulfilling international obligations;
• We are working on a long-term low-carbon development strategy. This document focuses on the development of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, sectoral policies and decarbonization measures, and establishing a market for "green" finance, among others;
• We are working on launching an emissions trading system and reforming the taxation of carbon dioxide emissions;
• We are revising Ukraine's Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement to present it to the international community on time.

Yes, we face challenges that require decisive actions, new approaches, and collective efforts. Our climate policy is not just about international obligations; it also encompasses recovery, European integration, and international cooperation. So, we will continue to move forward with confidence.