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Statement by Ukraine at the Joint Preparatory Meeting of the 32nd OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum as delivered by Viktoriia Kuvshynnykova, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna
7 September 2026
Mr Chair, Distinguished colleagues,
At the outset, I would like to thank the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship and the Slovenian Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee for convening this meeting and advancing our discussion on how science and technology can strengthen security and resilience across the OSCE region. At the same time, discussions of future threats must not divert attention from those already undermining security in our region. In waging its war against Ukraine, the Russian Federation is destroying energy, transport and water infrastructure, causing extensive environmental damage and creating long-term cross-border risks. No technological solution can replace accountability for aggression and violations of OSCE principles. Russia’s war also increases climate-related threats through additional emissions and the destruction of ecosystems, while diverting resources that participating States need to adapt to climate change. We highly value the co-operation between Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the OSCE in the Dniester basin — a practical example of the importance of cross-border coordination, data exchange and joint responses to climate risks. 2
Mr Chair, According to the joint assessment by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank, the European Commission and the United Nations, direct damage caused by Russia’s war had reached nearly $200 billion by the end of 2025. Socio-economic losses, including disruptions to economic activity, service delivery and livelihoods, amounted to approximately $667 billion, while recovery and reconstruction needs were estimated at $588 billion. At the same time, the Russian war remains the largest threat to economic stability and prosperity not only across the OSCE region, but far beyond it. Widespread blackouts, energy shortages and the need to prepare for further Russia’s military provocations put significant economic pressure on our region, keeping it far from sustainable and prosperous development that existed before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Along with this, Russia’s constant attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure severely disrupt global supply chains, undermine the stability on the global market and create significant risks to food delivery to countries that depend heavily on Ukraine’s export. Ukraine brings to this discussion hard-earned experience, gained at immense human and economic cost during Russia’s war against our country. Amid the loss of lives and destruction caused by Russian attacks, Ukrainian public institutions, communities and businesses are forced to find new ways to protect lives, maintain essential services and sustain the economy, including through the adoption of advanced technologies. This experience can help strengthen resilience across the OSCE region. A science-based approach is particularly important for assessing the environmental consequences of Russia’s aggression. Reliable data are essential for documenting damage, identifying long-term risks and setting recovery priorities. The findings and recommendations must guide practical decisions, including the implementation of OSCE project activities. We thank the OSCE and donors for supporting the implementation of OSCE projects in Ukraine. We count on further practical assistance in line with the needs identified by Ukraine. We expect this Forum to help translate discussions on science and technology into tangible project outcomes that address the consequences of the war, protect people and strengthen long-term resilience across the OSCE region. We look forward to substantive and constructive deliberations in Prague. Thank you.