The disaster unfolding on Russia’s Black Sea coast is of its own making

Southern Russia is facing one of its largest environmental disasters in modern history due to repeated Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure in Tuapse. Massive refinery fires and oil spills have occurred along the Black Sea coast, including near Sochi, causing widespread pollution and wildlife deaths. The authorities have focused on silencing those speaking out about the disaster rather than addressing its scale. Environmental activists are debating whether Ukraine's actions can be justified, while others point to Russia's war economy and lack of environmental protections as deeper causes of the disaster.