MOSCOW, (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed dissatisfaction with the Emergency Situations Ministry’s handling of the Black Sea oil spill during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, calling it “one of the most serious environmental challenges” Russia has faced in recent years.
Putin urged authorities to expedite efforts to mitigate the damage caused by the incident and demanded an immediate report from Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov.
On December 15, two Russian oil tankers were caught in a storm south of the Kerch Strait.
The Volgoneft-212, carrying approximately 4,900 tonnes of mazut—a heavy, low-quality oil product—broke apart and sank, resulting in a significant oil spill and the death of one crew member.
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The second tanker, Volgoneft-239, was also damaged, drifting for hours before running aground near the Port of Taman in Krasnodar Krai, where it leaked oil into the surrounding waters.
Putin Calls for Decisive Action
“This matter cannot be ignored,” Putin said, emphasizing the urgency of taking decisive action to address the Black Sea oil spill. He instructed the establishment of an emergency task force to manage cleanup efforts and mitigate the environmental impact.
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The president also directed relevant agencies to provide a comprehensive plan for controlling the spill and minimizing its consequences.
The oil spill has sparked widespread concern over its environmental and economic impact on the Black Sea region.
