Long stretches of Russia’s Black Sea coastline are now heavily impacted by an oil spill originating from the wreck of two Russian tankers.
Over the past weekend, two Russian tankers, the Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, met with disaster in the Kerch Strait amidst severe weather conditions. High winds reaching up to 70 kph (45 mph) led to the catastrophic spilling of thousands of tons of heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, into the sea. This has resulted in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as an ‘environmental disaster.’ CNN reports support this, with videos showing oil-blackened waves lapping the shores in the Krasnodar region, near the Kerch Strait.
The immediate aftermath of this disaster is evident as approximately 60 kilometers of coastline have been contaminated, according to Greenpeace Ukraine. The situation has led to several towns declaring emergencies, with reports of birds and other wildlife suffering severe contamination and death due to the toxic exposure. One haunting video shows a bird, heavily coated in oil, struggling to fly as the waves repeatedly sweep over it.
Various responses to the spill have emerged. In a somewhat critical response, Zelensky condemned Moscow for allowing ‘old, poorly maintained’ tankers to operate in such perilous conditions, noting these vessels, almost 50 years old, should no longer be in use, particularly given the challenging season and waters. There is speculation about the motives behind Russia’s continued use of these outdated tankers. Ambrey, a maritime security firm, highlighted the nation’s difficulties in modernizing its fleet due to Western sanctions. These sanctions are partly to blame for the use of vessels that repeatedly encounter issues in harsh weather.
Local officials, like Veniamin Kondratiev, the governor of the Krasnodar region, are grappling with the daunting task of containment and cleanup. Kondratiev noted that efforts are being severely hindered by ongoing stormy conditions, complicating predictions on how long it will take to restore the coastline. Residents have reported the strong smell of oil pervading the coastline areas, intensifying concerns over environmental and public health impacts.
In a broader international context, Zelensky has urged world powers to impose sanctions on Russia’s clandestine tanker operations. By doing so, he argues, not only will Russia’s funding for military endeavors be curtailed, but the ecological wellbeing of the seas will also be safeguarded. His comments were made during an address to the Joint Expeditionary Force, underscoring the global dimension of this environmental crisis.
The unfolding situation on Russia’s Black Sea coast underscores the severe ecological challenges posed by aging infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. As cleanup efforts continue amidst adverse weather, the broader implications for environmental policy and maritime safety remain at the forefront of international discussions.
