Russia–Ukraine border

One of the worst ecological disasters in the region in years has been caused by the oil spill following the sinking of two tankers in the Black Sea, now covering almost 50 kilometers of coastline.

Former Environment and Water Minister Borislav Sandov assured that Bulgaria is not at risk from the recent oil spill in the Kerch Strait, despite the incident being an ecological disaster. Sandov emphasized the spill's potential to harm marine organisms, particularly smaller species and crustaceans, while noting that seasonal factors may reduce its impact on bird populations.

Ukrainian serviceman ride atop a trophy tank after returning from Russia near the Russian-Ukrainian border in Sumy region, Ukraine, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.

Ukraine has claimed fresh advances in its offensive into Russia, saying on Thursday it seized over 1,100 square kilometers in the biggest attack by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II.

Two Russian regions bordering Ukraine ordered more evacuations on Monday as Moscow battled to contain an unprecedented push onto its territory.

Ukraine sent troops into Russia last week in its biggest cross-border operation since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022 and the most significant by a foreign army since World War II.

A neoprene suit from a Russian patrol boat was discovered on Listi beach in Sinemorets by citizens participating in a beach cleanup, reported BNR-Burgas. The cleanup event, held twice a year in summer and October, was prompted by reports of significant pollution following a storm, explained Dragomira Raeva from the "Sineva" community center.

The task forces of Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria have embarked on a joint mission to detect and clear mines in the Black Sea under an agreement ratified earlier this year.

By the end of the year, Romania will receive a maritime minesweeper from Great Britain, with which it will join the joint initiative with Bulgaria and Turkey to search for mines in the Black Sea.

This was announced in an interview with "Digi 24" TV by the Minister of Defense Angel Tilvar, who is visiting the USA together with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

A Russian tanker was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kerch Strait, briefly halting traffic on the strategic bridge linking Crimea to Russia on Saturday, a day after one of Moscow's warships was hit in the Black Sea.

Day 509 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

The sea water along the Bulgarian Black Sea is safe for bathing and there is currently no evidence of impending pollution. This was stated by the chief state health inspector Assoc. Angel Kunchev in connection with concerns about sea water pollution after the spilling of the waters from the "Nova Kakhovka" dam into the Black Sea, BNT reported.