Zelensky says sunken tankers in the Kerch Strait were almost 50 years old

Zelensky says sunken tankers in the Kerch Strait were almost 50 years old

Kyiv  •  UNN

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Two Russian oil tankers sank in the Kerch Strait, causing a fuel spill. According to Zelenskyy, the vessels were almost 50 years old and part of Russia's shadow fleet.

The Russian oil tankers that recently sank in the Kerch Strait were poorly maintained and half a century old.

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his address to the summit of the countries participating in the Joint Expeditionary Force, UNN reports .

Russia's shadow fleet is one of the biggest threats to Ukraine. Putin uses these tankers to finance his war, and most of these vessels are old, poorly maintained and operate without any supervision. Recently, 2 tankers sank near the Kerch Strait. These vessels were almost 50 years old. They should not have been operating at all, especially in this part of the water area and in this season

- Zelensky said.

According to the president, the Black Sea is facing another environmental disaster caused by Russia.

There are much larger and more dangerous Russian tankers operating in your seas. This fleet must be stopped. This will not only stop funding Russia's war, but also protect nature

- Zelensky added.

He also called on the international community to take decisive action to ensure that the shadowy tanker fleet and other Russian vessels could no longer operate in European waters.

Recall

 Two oil tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, were wrecked in the Kerch Strait. Both vessels had 13 and 14 crew members on board respectively.

Each tanker was carrying 4.3 thousand tons of fuel. The accident caused a spill of oil products.