Oil spill from Tuapse is drifting toward 'Putin's palace' near Gelendzhik
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
An oil slick formed after a series of Ukrainian strikes on an oil refinery in Tuapse is moving along the Black Sea coast toward Gelendzhik. It is now located about 30 kilometers from Putin's luxury residence at Cape Idokopas — the so-called "Putin's palace," according to Bild.
Where the oil slick came from
The refinery in Tuapse was hit by several Ukrainian drone strikes in April. The first attacks on April 16 and April 20 caused massive fires that were visible even from space. Oil storage tanks were damaged, and one person was killed.
Toxic substances fell with the rain, covering cars and city streets with an oily film. Residents living near the refinery were evacuated, and people are wearing masks because of polluted air.
Threat to Putin's residence
Satellite images show a large oil slick moving along the coast toward Gelendzhik and Cape Idokopas. That is where Putin's luxury residence is located. The spill is currently about 30 kilometers away.
This is not the first time Putin’s Black Sea residence has faced threats: two years ago, drones were reportedly directed toward the area, and last year it was threatened by wildfires.
Reaction from both sides
Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of striking civilian infrastructure and warned of "serious environmental consequences." Kyiv confirmed the attacks as part of its campaign against Russia's energy sector.
Experts warn that the pollution could harm local ecosystems and reduce the region's appeal to tourists.
On May 1, Ukraine's Defense Forces launched another strike on the Tuapse oil refinery. A massive fire broke out at the facility after explosions.
A day earlier, on April 30, fresh satellite images showing the aftermath of previous strikes were published online. They clearly showed serious damage to the plant's infrastructure.
On April 28, Ukrainian drones carried out a triple strike on an oil terminal in Tuapse. The fire spread to additional storage tanks, and local residents had to be evacuated. A total of 24 tanks have now been destroyed, effectively halting the facility's operations.
