Stories from Kerch · Ukraine

Residents in Kerch discovered and picked up the remains of girls.

Ukrainian forces attacked two oil tankers in the Black Sea. The vessels were identified as the 'Pavel' and 'Lina'. The 'Pavel' was carrying crude oil, while the 'Lina' was transporting diesel fuel. The attacks occurred near the Kerch Strait.

Russian archaeologist Butyagin is accused by Ukrainian authorities of participating in illegal excavations in Kerch. The excavations involve the ancient city of Hermekai in Crimea, which Ukraine considers occupied territory following the 2014 annexation. Ukrainian officials suspect Butyagin's work may have partially destroyed cultural heritage sites. The accusations follow a prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Moldova on April 28 involving five individuals from each side. An archaeologist named Butyagin is accused of partially destroying a cultural heritage site during excavations of the ancient Myrmike area in Kerch. Ukrainian authorities consider the research illegal following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. A court in Warsaw has approved a request from Ukrainian authorities to extradite Butyagin.

Satellite images show vessels performing ship-to-ship transfers in the Kerch Strait within the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian journalist Katarina Yarezko reported that these maneuvers allow for the discreet transfer of cargo between ships. The practice is allegedly used to launder stolen Ukrainian grain. The transfers occur on the Russian side of the strait.

Ukrainian sources report that Russian construction projects in occupied Crimea have damaged previously unknown archaeological sites. During the 2016-2017 construction of the Kerch-Sevastopol highway, approximately 90 excavations were conducted.

Ukrainian authorities have accused Russian archaeologist and historian Oleksandr Butyagin of conducting unauthorized excavations in occupied Crimea.