Russian strikes on Odesa port trigger vegetable oil spill in Black Sea

Massive Russian attacks on the Pivdennyi port in the Odesa region have caused vegetable oil to spill into the Black Sea, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

The Port Administration stated that the port was under constant strikes for the first two days following the Russian attack, Caliber.Az reports via RBC-Ukraine.

"Because of this, work to contain the leak could only be carried out partially—between air raid alerts, in compliance with safety regulations for personnel," USPA said.

During this period, specialists conducted a phased closure of the water area using boom barriers. Once the security situation stabilised, the barriers were fully deployed, and specialised vessels were brought in to collect pollutants.

The agency emphasised that this is vegetable oil, an organic substance that undergoes natural biological decomposition.

Serhii Lysak, head of the Odesa regional military administration, said that oil-like stains and dead birds were observed on two beaches in Odesa today. An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Relevant authorities are investigating the situation. The environmental inspection team, Uzberezhzhia municipal enterprise, rescue and diving service, and representatives from the Odesa City Council’s Department of Municipal Security have already arrived at the site.

On December 23, Russia once again struck the port of Odesa with drones, damaging a civilian ship flying the Lebanese flag that was transporting Ukrainian soybeans.

By Jeyhun Aghazada