Odesa Beach Oil Spill: Birds Struggle After Russian Strikes

In Odesa, Ukraine, a recent oil spill has severely impacted local wildlife, with birds found struggling on windswept beaches. Ukrainian officials attribute the spill to Russian strikes that damaged sunflower oil storage tanks in the Pivdennyi port last week. The affected birds, particularly species like the great crested grebe and horned grebe, become coated in oil, rendering them immobile and vulnerable to the cold.

Volunteers and rescue teams are actively engaged in cleaning the oiled birds, scrubbing them from bill to toe. The Odesa zoo is committed to rehabilitating survivors, highlighting the birds' loss of mobility and the urgent need for intervention. Emergency crews have implemented floating barriers and specialized vessels to contain the spill, leading to a temporary closure of the port's channel.

While authorities state the oil is organic and will biodegrade, ongoing monitoring and clean-up efforts are crucial to prevent further environmental damage. The incident underscores the broader impact of recent intensified attacks on the Black Sea port city, with wildlife now among the casualties.