Russian attack on Odessa region caused environmental pollution

The Prosecutor General’s Office has launched an investigation into the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) due to the environmental consequences of the Russian attack on Odessa region. Prosecutors, together with specialized specialists, are recording the damage caused to the environment.

Russian strike: On December 20, during a massive drone attack in the Odessa region, the company’s tanks were damaged. Sunflower oil was stored in 13 tanks, which caused a large-scale fire.

On December 24, stains resembling vegetable oil were recorded on the sea coast and directly in the water area of ​​the Odessa region’s beaches.

Environmental inspectors are working at the scene, taking water and soil samples for laboratory tests. Specialists are conducting a detailed examination of the territory.

After analyzing all the circumstances, law enforcement officers will calculate the damage caused to the environment and appoint the appropriate engineering and environmental examinations. The investigative actions continue under the procedural guidance of the Odessa Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

At the moment, everything looks like a real ecological disaster – Odessa residents are finding dozens of dead or injured birds on the sand that cannot fly because of the oil.

As reported by the head of the Odessa City Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak, vegetable oil in sea water forms a film on the surface, which limits the access of oxygen and light to marine organisms and can lead to their death. The State Ecological Inspectorate and the Odessa Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine are monitoring the water condition.