Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe
Introduction to Ukraine
Ukraine, located in Eastern Europe, is the second largest country on the continent by total area with approximately 603,700 square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than the state of Texas. Its capital city, Kyiv, is located in the north central region of the country along the Dnieper River. Ukraine has experienced various periods of foreign occupation throughout history but finally achieved full independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It played a key role in the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and has since become a multicultural and strategically significant state.
Geographical Boundaries
Ukraine is bounded by Belarus to the north, Russia to the east, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland to the west. It also has a Black Sea and Sea of Azov coastline, with the Kerch Strait separating it from Russia in the southeast. The terrain is predominantly flat, consisting of large plains and fertile steppes, making it one of the largest producers of grain in the world. The major mountain ranges include the Carpathians to the west, which are biologically diverse, and the Crimean Mountains to the south, which add to the nation's geographical diversity.
Major Waterways and Rivers
Ukraine's extensive river system is vital to its economy and environment. The longest and most significant river, the Dnieper River, flows 980 kilometers in Ukraine. It provides hydroelectric power, irrigation, and transportation. The Southern Buh and the Dniester, both which drain into the Black Sea, are other major rivers. The Danube river forms part of Ukraine's south western boundary. The Donets River is an important source of water for the Donbas region. Marshes, which account for about 3% of Ukraine, are found mainly in northern river valleys and lower courses of major rivers.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Ukraine lies within the temperate climatic zone with moderate temperatures due to humid air masses of the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is predominantly continental, with the southern Crimean coast being humid subtropical. Winters are colder in the eastern region compared to the west, while summers are warmer in the eastern and southern regions. The country's average annual temperature varies from 5.5–7°C in the north to 11–13°C in the south. Precipitation is highest in the west and north and lowest in the southeast and east, with the highest occurring in the Carpathian Mountains.
Biodiversity
Despite intensive agricultural exploitation, Ukraine has retained three main vegetation zones: the Polissya (forest and marshland), the forest steppe, and the steppe. Ukraine is fauna rich, with over 70,000 species, accounting for 35% of Europe's biodiversity, including rare, relict, and endemic species, like wolves, wild boars, roe deer, and a number of bird species. Ukraine has established a number of nature reserves and national parks, such as the Askaniya Nova Biosphere Reserve and the Carpathian National Nature Park, in order to protect its rich biodiversity.
Environmental Challenges
Ukraine is faced with very significant environmental issues due to industrial contamination, forest destruction, and water contamination. Rapid industrialization during the Soviet era led to increased degradation of air, land, and water. The war has only added to these issues, with data indicating that over 3 million hectares of forest have been contaminated by fire, artillery shelling, and pollution. The degradation of natural habitats poses a threat to the diversity of Ukraine and leads to significant carbon emissions.
Ukraine's Future
Ukraine is a hardy country of natural and cultural diversity. However, the conflict has had devastating impacts on human populations and the environment. The war has caused deforestation, air, land, and water contamination, and biodiversity loss. Despite these, efforts are being made to restore devastated ecosystems, such as volunteer campaigns to reforestate war damaged forests in places like Kharkiv. With additional actions towards environmental protection, sustainable development, and peace building, Ukraine can thrive as a modern, independent state and preserve its rich heritage and biodiversity.
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