In the Black Sea, a large-scale fire at the so-called “Boyko Towers”—drilling platforms used by Russian occupiers to monitor shipping in the region—has been ongoing for four consecutive years.
This is reported by Finway
Environmental Impact of the Fire on the Black Sea Ecosystem
The fire on the drilling platforms is causing significant environmental pollution.
“As a consequence of the war, the so-called Boyko gas towers have been burning for four years now.”
According to Ivan Rusev, a doctor of biological sciences and an employee of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, the glow from the fire is periodically visible even from the territory of the reserve in southern Odesa. The continuous burning of hydrocarbons results in the release of a large amount of harmful substances into the air, affecting ecosystems not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring countries.
Situation on the Drilling Platforms and the Scale of Pollution
In 2022, Russian troops equipped four seized drilling platforms with modern electronic reconnaissance equipment, helicopter pads, Neva-type radars, and hydroacoustic systems. This allowed the occupiers to control the waters of the northwestern part of the Black Sea between Crimea and Odesa. Since June 2022, a fire has been continuously burning on one of the platforms, and since August 24, 2024, another has also been ablaze. Experts estimate that the smoke columns from the burning are visible from a considerable distance, and the level of atmospheric pollution due to the war has reached critical proportions. Currently, there are no prospects for eliminating this powerful source of pollution.
Ivan Rusev has released satellite images that confirm the scale of the disaster. According to the scientist, the situation regarding environmental safety in the Black Sea remains complex, and the consequences of the fires on the platforms may have long-term effects for the region.