This article evaluates the impact of explosives residues left after the explosion of low-detonation munitions on the health of population (children and adults) living on the former battlefield. To determine the toxicological impact of explosives on humans, we used data from artillery shelling near the village of Stepanivka, Donetsk region, during the fighting in 2014. By the number of craters formed on the battlefield and their size, the calibre of the shells and, accordingly, the mass of the explosives were determined. When calculating the mass of unexploded explosives, it was assumed that the number of munitions with low detonation was 2.5%, while the mass of "unburned" explosives in them was 37% from the total. The types of explosives were mixtures of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) - 40% and 1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) - 60%. To assess the toxicological effects of explosives on humans, this study used the EPA's assessment model of health risk. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the influence of explosives on people were evaluated. The results of the risk assessment suggest that the residual amount of explosives in the soil does not lead to dangerous consequences for the health of people who are living on the territory of the former hostilities. However, the lack of data about the location of explosive objects (unexploded munitions, land mines etc.) into the soil of Donbas does not allow us fully assess their toxicological hazard to humans and the environment. The problem of the toxicological impact of explosive residues on residents and the environment of the Donbas region remains relevant.

Military impact on the environment can be defined as two components: 1) impact on the environment in time of daily activities during the training of troops and 2) impact on the environment during the combat operation. In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to some extent, environmental security measures are implemented only during daily operations in peacetime. As for taking into account the impact of fighting on the environment in time of planning combat operations, this issue is usually not even raised in their preparation. On the other hand, NATO member states understand that military operations can be inherently destructive to human health and the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the educational requirements for commanders, especially for officers who provide environmental protection in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based on NATO regulations and the experience of Allies. The article considers how environmental issues are integrated into the military operation at each stage: planning, pre-deployment, deployment (execution and force rotation), redeployment, and post-deployment. The main tasks of environmental officers at each stage of the operation are defined. Based on the tasks solved by officers, the requirements for their education are formed, the subjects studied by US environmental officers are considered.

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