Stories from Kerch · Russia

Authorities are cleaning beaches and depositing over 5,000 cubic meters of material daily following an oil spill in the Kerch Strait. Additional observation posts have been deployed in the water area. Swimming will only be permitted after two consecutive positive laboratory safety tests are completed. The Russian Association of Tour Operators estimated a 20 billion ruble loss in tour sales to the United Arab Emirates.

Specialists are continuing to monitor the oil spill situation in the Kerch Strait. Authorities are tracking water quality and the condition of sandy beaches throughout the tourist season.

Authorities intend to open Black Sea beaches in the Kerch Strait area by June 1. Officials will monitor water quality and sand conditions throughout the tourist season.

Moscow exchanged Alexander Butyagin and the wife of a Russian serviceman from Transnistria for two rings, according to the FSB. He expects to reach Saint Petersburg by Friday.

Russian authorities have issued new regulations for crossing the Kerch Bridge, specifically targeting passenger transport and trailers. Hybrid electric vehicles remain prohibited from using the bridge, with travelers directed to the R280 highway as an alternative land route from Rostov-on-Don to Crimea. The rules also restrict the passage of cargo transport exceeding 1.5 tons. Russian social media channels reported the closure, though the specific cause of the shutdown remains unconfirmed. The drone activity reportedly moved across the Crimean peninsula.