In December 2024, one of the largest environmental disasters in the region’s history occurred. After the sinking of the tankers Volgoneft, the coastline from the Kerch Strait to Anapa was covered with a toxic film, causing massive bird deaths. Authorities were unable to manage the situation. The tankers and at least 5,000 tons of fuel oil still remain in the water, continuing to pollute the coast and surrounding waters. At the beginning of this summer, EMERCOM forces shifted toward Anapa, leaving 30 kilometers of coastline—from the strait to the Bugaz Spit—in the hands of just 13 volunteers.