The Alarming Trend of Water Weaponization During the Russian War in Ukraine

Abstract

Water plays a critical role in sustaining civilian populations during armed conflict, yet its deliberate disruption is increasingly reported in contemporary warfare. Despite growing attention to the topic of water weaponization, the concept remains inconsistently defined throughout humanitarian, environmental, and legal literature. This study examines existing conceptualizations of water weaponization and combines them into a broader analytical framework that considers any actions that impair the availability, quality, or accessibility of water for civilian populations as weaponization of water. Using this framework, the study analyzes documented cases from the Russian war in Ukraine and evaluates the limitations of existing international legal mechanisms intended to protect water during armed conflict. The discussion is built on a combination of a scoping literature review and semi‐structured expert interviews. The findings demonstrate that water weaponization extends beyond direct attacks on hydraulic infrastructure and water supply systems, or conflict‐related water pollution. Instead, many consequences arise through indirect impacts and interconnected infrastructure systems. Disruptions to energy, industrial, and water sectors amplify humanitarian and environmental risks that exceed their immediate military significance. The study also reveals persistent challenges in evidence collection, attribution of responsibility, environmental monitoring, and enforcement of existing international legal protections in active conflict settings. By linking empirical evidence from Ukraine with broader debates on water security and conflict, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to clarify the scope of water weaponization and calls for the need to strengthen approaches for assessing water‐related harms during warfare.