Let’s stop Putin from creating a contaminated, uninhabitable Ukraine

Julian Zelizer: War in Ukraine has changed forever, with tens of thousands killed and immense environmental damage.

Russia has destroyed or damaged more than 300,000 housing units and 400,000 cars, generating millions of tons of debris whose toxic residue slowly leaches into soil and water.

He says a contaminated, uninhabitable Ukraine would be that much more vulnerable to conquest.

Zelizer says funding to restore Ukraine’s environment must become a central component of that plan.

Volunteers could help rebuild water infrastructure, remove debris and revitalize protected places.

They could help reclaim Ukraine’s status as a global breadbasket by clearing mines, restoring soil and repairing port infrastructure.

A nation whose environment is laid to waste becomes inherently unstable, especially one like Ukraine.