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Statement

by the Delegation of Ukraine 

at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, 

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

(7 July 2026)

 

Mr. Chair,

Water is the foundation of human life, public health, food security, and sustainable development. Progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 is indispensable for achieving many other Goals, including those related to health, sustainable cities, climate resilience, and economic development. Without access to safe water and sanitation, sustainable development simply cannot be achieved.

Ukraine remains firmly committed to implementing SDG 6 and its targets despite the unprecedented challenges posed by Russia's ongoing aggression. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine made significant progress in strengthening integrated water resources management, introducing river basin management plans in line with European standards, adopting the Water Strategy of Ukraine until 2050, improving water quality monitoring, and enhancing transboundary cooperation on shared water resources.

Today, even under wartime conditions, we continue implementing reforms, restoring damaged infrastructure, monitoring water quality, and working closely with international partners to ensure safe and sustainable access to water and sanitation.

However, Russia's war has become one of the gravest threats to water security in Europe in recent history. Russian missiles and drones deliberately target Ukraine's water infrastructure, destroying water supply facilities, pumping stations, drainage systems, and related critical infrastructure. As a result, residents of dozens of Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages are repeatedly left without access to drinking water and sanitation. Military activities have caused widespread contamination of both surface and groundwater. Pollution from heavy metals, oil products, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances enters rivers and aquifers following missile strikes, explosions, and attacks on industrial facilities.

One of the most devastating examples of Russia's environmental crimes remains the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam. This deliberate act caused one of the largest environmental disasters in Europe in decades. It devastated entire ecosystems, destroyed critical water supply systems, severely disrupted irrigation across southern Ukraine, contaminated water resources, and created long-term risks for biodiversity, agriculture, public health, and regional water security.

Despite these enormous challenges, Ukraine remains committed to building a modern, resilient and sustainable water sector. Our recovery is guided by the principle of building back better, using environmentally sound technologies and strengthening resilience against future risks. We highly value the support provided by our international partners and United Nations agencies in restoring water infrastructure, addressing environmental damage, and supporting communities affected by the war.

Ukraine stands ready to continue sharing its experience, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing the implementation of SDG 6. Protecting water resources is a common global obligation, particularly at a time when armed conflict increasingly threatens one of humanity's most vital resources.

Thank you.