Fuel oil, distributed as a result of the accident of the Russian tanker Volgoneft in the Kerch Strait, could pose a serious threat to the Odessa coast.

About this Social Crimeasaid biologist and head of the NGO “Green List” Vladislav Balinsky.

According to the expert, fuel oil stains found off the coast of Crimea are gradually moving downstream in the Black Sea.

“I came to the conclusion that fuel oil moves in the water column along the main Black Sea current. I believe that there is a threat that in the near future fuel oil emissions may reach the coast of Odessa region,” Balinsky said.

The biologist explained that for the prediction he uses Sentinel-1 satellite images, data on wind directions from the Windy platform and the characteristics of the material, in particular the melting point of fuel oil, which affects its buoyancy.

Satellite images from January 4 already show significant spots of fuel oil along the coast of Crimea — from Partenit to Meganom. Subsequently, according to Balinsky, pollution was recorded in the area of Sevastopol, Balaklava, Orlovka, and on January 7 - near Evpatoria.

“This suggests that the fuel clots have been caught in a powerful current that can carry them further. Under certain circumstances, such as a strong northerly wind, fuel oil can reach the Odessa coast,” the expert added.

The expert suggested that fuel oil could reach the coast of Odessa region by mid-January, taking into account the current weather conditions and wind directions.

Recall, Ukraine planning to contactto international judicial institutions, in particular the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, with a claim against Russia for violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.