Trends in the Degradation of Water Resources of Ukraine (on the Example of the Kharkiv Region) During the War

The article examines the consequences of active hostilities during 2022–2024 on the territory of Ukraine using the Kharkiv region as an example. Taking into account the importance of all types of natural waters (inland surface, coastal, underground, transitional) with the aim of their sustainable use on the basis of strengthening protection and improvement, supporting the vital activity of living organisms, electric power, agriculture, communal housing, transport and their key role in the formation, functioning of regional and global ecosystems, in the presented study they are the object of scientific interest. For the pre-war period, the deterioration of the natural waters of the territory was noted against the background of climate changes and socio-economic activity. The war significantly accelerated the pollution of water resources by heavy metals and oil products and caused difficulties in monitoring and analyzing the characteristics of the Siversky Dinets river basin within the Kharkiv region. As a result of hostilities, many water bodies disappeared. A modern assessment of changes in natural waters for the purpose of their sustainable development and protection will help to develop an action plan for their restoration and preservation. The study highlights the impact of military actions on the surrounding air layer, the occurrence and spread of forest fires, which is a significant factor in the change in the state of water resources. An overview of the pollution of natural waters as drinking water resources, which affects the health of the population that consumes them, is made. Prospects and problems related to the post-war restoration of the state of natural waters in the territory of the Kharkiv region of Ukraine are considered.