War-torn Azov coast turns toxic: fish die, jellyfish invade, sewage spills

This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation on its Telegram channel.

A sharp increase in jellyfish numbers in the Sea of Azov has made the coastline unfit for recreation. The phenomenon is a consequence of the war — particularly the destruction of the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas canal by Russian forces, which led to increased salinity levels and triggered jellyfish bloom.

Additionally, intensified fishing and the discharge of wastewater into the sea by occupying forces have nearly wiped out the goby population and caused mass deaths of other fish species.

“Due to the actions of the occupying Russian forcves, the environmental situation in the Sea of Azov is nearing disaster. Instead of trying to repair the ecological damage, the occupation authorities continue to shift blame onto Ukraine,” the Center emphasized.

• On July 9, residents of occupied Mariupol reported oil residue and sewage leaking into the Sea of Azov. The occupying Russian administration have taken no steps to resolve the issue.