Massive Oil Spill in Russia and Crimea Escalates Environmental Crisis

The December sinking of two oil tankers has led to widespread pollution, affecting beaches, wildlife, and local ecosystems.

Two Russian oil tankers, carrying 9,200 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, sank during a storm on December 15 in the Kerch Strait between Russia and Crimea.
Approximately 40% of the tankers' cargo may have spilled into the sea, spreading pollution to beaches and coastal areas in southwest Russia and Crimea.
Authorities have identified over 200,000 tonnes of contaminated sand along the coastline, with 78,000 tonnes already removed in ongoing cleanup efforts.
The heavy M100 fuel oil poses a unique challenge as it sinks rather than floats, and no proven global technology exists for its removal from the seabed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled the spill a 'catastrophe,' with environmental damage deemed incalculable at this stage, as sporadic wildlife casualties are reported.