A recent reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the oil spill in the Black Sea has drawn attention after 25 days of no significant response from the Kremlin. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has criticized the Russian government’s delayed actions.
On January 9, President Putin addressed the tanker accident and the resulting environmental disaster, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He expressed his inability to overlook the environmental impact and confirmed the establishment of a special headquarters to manage the cleanup efforts. The accident occurred on December 15, when two Russian tankers sank in the Kerch Strait, spilling large quantities of fuel oil into the sea.
Putin described the spill as “one of the most serious environmental challenges” faced by Russia in recent years. His comments came after weeks of inaction by Russian authorities, which had sparked criticism, particularly from Ukraine. The MFA called the Russian leadership’s reaction “demonstrative,” emphasizing that the failure to address the spill in the first 25 days was a clear indication of Russia’s neglect.
The Ukrainian ministry also pointed out that the spill was a direct consequence of Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, accusing Russia of using outdated vessels and ignoring safety regulations. Furthermore, the MFA noted that the use of Russia’s “shadow fleet” for economic activities in the Black Sea posed significant risks for both the environment and international security. They called for increased international pressure and sanctions against those involved in operating Russia’s shadow fleet.
On the Ukrainian side, there have been no immediate threats to the coastline of Odesa, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk assured the public on January 10 that the spill posed no direct danger to the region.
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