An oil spill occurred on December 15 after the Russian tanker Volgoneft 212 split in two during a storm in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Over 4 tons of oil leaked into the Black Sea, polluting the coasts of Anapa, Veselovka, and Blagoveshchenskaya in Russia’s Krasnodar Region, causing significant harm to wildlife, including the deaths of birds and dolphins.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry deployed 400 personnel and 60 vehicles to clean the 4.2-kilometer contaminated area. Volunteers joined the efforts to mitigate the damage. Russian President Vladimir Putin assured the public that steps are being taken to address the disaster and restore the affected areas.

The tanker’s breakup, caused by severe weather, also impacted the Volgoneft-239. While 28 crew members were rescued, one sailor lost his life in the incident.