Georgiy Klyuyev writes : No Action on the Kerch Strait Disaster

 By : Georgiy Klyuyev

It has been nearly two weeks since one of the most devastating environmental catastrophes in the Black Sea region—the oil spill in the Kerch Strait.

Silent of the international community

Yet, the international community has remained largely silent, with no clear strategy, commentary, or action from the nations that have signed the critical treaties and conventions aimed at protecting the Black Sea from pollution. This lack of response signals a grave failure in the international environmental governance system.

The world seems to be passively watching

Under the Bucharest Convention and the Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation (OPRC) Convention, countries are obligated to act together and swiftly when large-scale environmental disasters occur. However, instead of taking decisive action to contain the pollution, investigate the incident, and mitigate its effects, the world seems to be passively watching, avoiding real steps to address the crisis.

Harm not only the Black Sea region

This lack of meaningful coordination, coupled with the absence of international intervention, continues to harm not only the Black Sea region but also its most vulnerable sectors—fisheries, tourism, agriculture—while exacerbating the public health risks for coastal communities. Experts have estimated the damage in the tens of billions of dollars, but these figures remain preliminary as flooded areas remain inaccessible to rescue and recovery operations.

The situation alarming

What makes this situation particularly alarming is the fact that the very countries bound by international agreements to protect the Black Sea have yet to present any clear strategies in response to this environmental disaster. The Kerch Strait tragedy has revealed the weaknesses in existing response mechanisms and exposed the gaps in international environmental cooperation.

The region faces serious threats

The incident serves as a crucial test for the nations with political, economic, and legal commitments to protect the Black Sea’s ecosystems. Without an urgent and effective response, the region faces serious threats to its environment, economic stability, and international credibility. Silence and inaction here are not just mistakes—they are existential threats to the future development and sustainability of the region.

Take practical actions in response to such environmental challenges

If the international community and the countries involved do not offer real leadership and take practical actions in response to such environmental challenges, the consequences for the Black Sea could be catastrophic. This disaster is not only an ecological catastrophe; it is also an opportunity for the global community to reassess its commitments, improve cooperation mechanisms, and safeguard ecosystems to ensure such tragedies do not repeat.

Unprecedented Challenge or Missed Opportunity? The Black Sea Agreements

The Kerch Strait oil spill is undoubtedly one of the most significant environmental disasters the Black Sea region has faced in recent memory. However, it is not entirely unprecedented. Past incidents, such as the DELFI sinking in 2019 off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine, have also exposed the vulnerabilities of Black Sea nations in responding to large-scale ecological crises.

The Russia-Ukraine war,

What makes the current situation particularly challenging is the political backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, which complicates regional cooperation and undermines the collective response mechanisms established under agreements like the Bucharest Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution.

While the convention mandates joint efforts to prevent and combat pollution, it has struggled to deliver the rapid, coordinated responses needed in emergencies. The current spill, with its extensive environmental damage and transboundary consequences, will likely become a defining test of whether signatory countries can overcome political divides and prioritize ecological preservation over geopolitics.

Accountability and the Kerch Strait Environmental Catastrophe

The recent remarks by Ukraine’s Minister of Environmental Resources, Ms. Svitlana Hrynchuk, underscore the urgency of the environmental crisis unfolding in the Kerch Strait. The situation demands immediate international attention. Preliminary damage assessments by Ukraine’s State Environmental Protection Agency estimate losses exceeding $14 billion to the Black Sea ecosystem. However, this figure may rise significantly, as the delayed containment efforts have allowed the pollution to spread far beyond initial expectations.

Environmental and Economic Stakes

The Black Sea, a semi-enclosed body of water already vulnerable to pollution, faces heightened risks from oil spills due to its slow water renewal rate and dense maritime traffic. This spill accelerates the degradation of an ecosystem vital for fisheries, biodiversity, and regional economies, with repercussions extending to neighboring coastal states such as Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The environmental toll is matched by significant economic consequences, affecting industries reliant on the sea’s health—tourism, fishing, and agriculture. For nations already struggling with geopolitical and economic instability, this spill compounds their challenges.

The Legal and Diplomatic Battlefield

Ukraine’s decision to escalate the issue to global institutions such as the UN, UNEP, and the IMO highlights the complexities of assigning liability for transboundary marine pollution. International law, particularly the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation (OPRC) and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), holds states responsible for pollution caused by their actions or negligence. If Ukraine’s allegations against Russia are substantiated, this case could set a significant precedent for environmental reparations and the enforcement of marine pollution laws.

However, the path to accountability is fraught with difficulties. Proving the source of pollution, quantifying damages, and navigating geopolitical tensions will test Ukraine’s ability to gather evidence. Collaborations with Romania and Bulgaria strengthen Ukraine’s case by providing additional data on the transboundary effects, but without high-quality satellite imagery and verified scientific data, legal ambiguities and counterclaims from the Russian Federation could undermine the effort.

Delayed State of Emergency: A Critical Oversight?

The delay in declaring a State of Emergency (SoE)—10 days after the incident—raises troubling questions about the preparedness and responsiveness of the authorities in the temporarily occupied Crimea and Russia’s coastline. Delays in declaring an SoE often result in missed opportunities for early containment, particularly with oil spills, where the first 24 to 48 hours are critical. The slow response may reflect a lack of real-time monitoring infrastructure, unclear jurisdictional authority in contested waters, or bureaucratic inertia.

This delay highlights the urgent need for clear protocols, actionable contingency plans, and the political will to activate them without hesitation. It should prompt Black Sea nations to review and strengthen their emergency response frameworks and address coordination gaps.

Broader Implications for the Maritime Sector

This disaster exposes vulnerabilities in maritime governance across the Black Sea region. While IMO frameworks offer some guidance, the lack of strong regional coordination exacerbates the response gap. The delayed availability of satellite imagery, for example, underscores the need for improved real-time monitoring capabilities in high-stakes zones.

Beyond governance, the incident highlights economic vulnerabilities, with the long-term impact threatening critical industries like tourism and fisheries, which are vital to coastal economies.

Mechanisms for Immediate International Cooperation: Are They Enough?

Current international mechanisms for responding to such disasters, like the OPRC Convention, provide guidelines but often lack the political support, funding, and rapid mobilization needed for effective action in geopolitically tense regions like the Black Sea. Regional initiatives, such as the Black Sea Commission, should ideally serve as platforms for rapid response. However, inconsistent support and geopolitical disputes have severely limited their capacity.

To address the shortcomings exposed by this incident, Black Sea states and international organizations must consider:

Real-Time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Shared satellite surveillance and maritime sensors for the rapid detection of spills.

Strengthening the Black Sea Commission: Increased funding, clear response protocols, and the establishment of a neutral crisis management task force.

International Rapid Response Teams: UN– or IMO-led rapid response teams for semi-enclosed seas like the Black Sea to ensure coordinated, science-driven actions.

Mandatory Spill Response Drills: Regular joint exercises involving all Black Sea signatories, under IMO guidance, to enhance preparedness and build trust.

While this catastrophe may not be entirely unprecedented, it marks a critical turning point for environmental governance in the Black Sea. The delay in declaring a State of Emergency underscores systemic weaknesses in national and regional preparedness. Moving forward, the Kerch Strait spill should serve as a wake-up call for Black Sea nations to prioritize the health of their shared ecosystem over political rivalries.

If decisive action is not taken now, the region risks not only irreparable environmental damage but also the erosion of trust in its ability to protect one of its most vital shared resources. This disaster must serve as a catalyst for stronger, more cohesive, and apolitical response frameworks—ensuring that the environment is no longer the silent victim of geopolitical tensions

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