What's happened
A significant oil spill occurred in the Black Sea after two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were damaged during a storm on December 15. The spill has polluted approximately 55 kilometers of coastline, prompting a criminal investigation and widespread volunteer cleanup efforts amid criticism of government response.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Moscow Times, the spill has impacted around 55 kilometers of coastline, with volunteers leading cleanup efforts due to insufficient government support. Environmental activists have criticized the response, stating that local authorities are overwhelmed and lack necessary resources. AP News reported that over 7,500 people, including volunteers, are involved in rescue and cleanup operations, but many have experienced health issues from exposure to toxic fumes. The Guardian highlighted Ukraine's call for international action against Russia's aging tanker fleet, emphasizing the environmental risks posed by such vessels. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, described the spill as one of the worst environmental disasters in the Black Sea region this century.
How we got here
The incident began on December 15 when a storm caused the Volgoneft-212 to split in half and the Volgoneft-239 to run aground. Together, the tankers were carrying around 9,200 tons of mazut, a low-grade heavy fuel oil, with an estimated 40% spilling into the sea. One crew member died, and 26 were rescued.
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