Drone attack on oil terminal: Apocalyptic scenes in Russia

Tuapse is actually known for its long Black Sea beaches. These days, however, the coastal idyll has been overshadowed by an almost apocalyptic scene: After two Ukrainian drones die Oil refinery in the southern Russian city – around 75 kilometers northwest of Sochi – a huge fire broke out there on Monday. The flames burned for four days. The cloud of smoke that rose over the Krasnodar region was so huge that it could be seen in satellite images from hundreds of kilometers away.

It was only on Thursday that the fire was finally largely brought under control; However, work to completely extinguish the fire continued until recently, the authorities reported.

Ukraine intensifies attacks

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the attack was directed against facilities “actively involved in supplying the Russian army.” The attack thus fits into a larger pattern: Over the past six months, Ukraine has significantly intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as part of its defensive campaign. In March alone, 76 industrial plants – including 15 oil refineries – are said to have been hit. The aim is to slow down fuel supplies and oil exports that feed Putin’s war chest.

The Refinery in Tuapse, the Rosneft was an important goal: it is one of the ten largest in the country and is an important export route for naphtha, heating oil and diesel. 12 million tons of crude oil are processed there every year. Operations are currently suspended.

Black rain fell

At the same time, the attack resulted in what is probably Russia’s worst environmental disaster since the full invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Because of the severe air pollution – the limit values ​​for benzene, xylene and soot were exceeded by two to three times on Monday – the population was instructed to stay in their houses and keep their windows closed. Anyone who spends time outdoors should wear masks, and it is also recommended that they regularly rinse their nose, eyes and throat. However, schools and public facilities remained open.

On social networks, residents posted photos and videos of black rain falling over the region: oil particles from the air settled as greasy stains on their houses and cars. Other posts showed stray dogs whose fur was covered in clumps of oil. “Our clothes are full of black stains and there is a pungent smell in the air,” one reported Al-Jazeera-On-site editor.

In addition to enormous human suffering, the war in Ukraine has also caused significant environmental damage over four years: high greenhouse gas emissions from fighting, forest fires from rocket strikes, toxic leaks, soil degradation, water pollution, destroyed ecosystems. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southeastern Ukraine in 2023 was particularly drastic: the masses of water not only flooded entire towns. They also distributed 83,000 tons of heavy metals across the neighboring country. The consequences, experts warn, will affect generations to come.