Ukraine Pursues Accountability for Russian Captain Over Significant Black Sea Oil Spill

A recent publication by Ukrainska Pravda reveals that Ukraine’s Prosecutor General has initiated legal proceedings against a russian tanker captain,alleging his involvement in a important oil spill that occurred in December 2024.This incident resulted in approximately 1,500 tonnes of fuel oil contaminating the Black Sea, causing environmental harm estimated at over $480 million (UAH 20 billion).

The case revolves around two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, which were navigating the Kerch Strait—a crucial passage linking the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. During a storm, the Volgoneft 212 sank wholly while its counterpart ran aground and afterward broke apart. The identity of the captain under scrutiny remains undisclosed.

ukrainian officials have labeled this captain as a representative of an “aggressor state,” asserting that he neglected severe winter weather conditions while piloting through these treacherous waters. This oversight allegedly led to mechanical failures on one vessel and ultimately caused the oil spill into Ukrainian territorial waters.

Reports indicate that both tankers were transporting between 4,000 to 4,300 tonnes of M-100 fuel oil from Volgograd to Kavkaz port. Ukraine suspects this shipment was intended for transfer to another vessel operating outside international regulations—an effort by russia to circumvent ongoing sanctions.

The older Volgoneft 212 sank after being built in 1969; tragically, one crew member lost their life during this event. Meanwhile, its sister ship from 1973 remained afloat but ended up stranded near Kerch Bridge before breaking apart. Notably, both vessels had turned off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) days prior to these incidents.

In response to the spill’s aftermath—where oil washed ashore across various locations along Ukraine’s coastline—authorities launched an extensive cleanup operation amid challenging winter conditions. Environmental specialists cautioned that adverse weather would complicate recovery efforts and could exacerbate long-term ecological repercussions.

The inquiry is spearheaded by Melitopol District Police with support from Zaporizhzhia’s Strategic Investigations Department under guidance from the Prosecutor General’s Office. A formal notice has been issued against the captain; however, it appears he may be facing charges without being present.

Conversely, Russian authorities are also reacting vigorously; TASS reports local governments in Krasnodar Krai and occupied crimea have declared states of emergency due to spill impacts on their regions. The Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources is now seeking RUB 84.9 billion (around $1 billion) in damages from tanker owners—60% aimed at Kama Shipping for Volgoneft 212 and remaining claims directed at Volgatransneft CJSC for Volgoneft 239.

Ukraine accuses Russia not only of downplaying the extent of environmental damage but also asserts that these vessels unlawfully entered Ukrainian waters—a violation with lasting consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal habitats alike.

in another related matter last summer (2024), Ukraine seized a cargo ship named Usko Mfu registered in Cameroon near Reni port due to allegations it was involved in transporting grain stolen from occupied Crimea—a move followed by legal actions against its officers later on as part of broader efforts against illicit activities linked with Crimea’s occupation.