Damage and Response in the Black Sea
The information policy adviser to the president of Crimea, Oleg Kryuchkov, indicated that fatalities were likely in the attack on the Chornomorneftegaz drilling platforms. Kryuchkov noted ongoing search operations in the Black Sea and stated that while not all were saved, hope remained. These updates were shared via Telegram.
At present, seven individuals are reported missing, with three injured and transported to Simferopol No. 6 Ambulance Hospital by helicopter, according to a source within emergency services cited by TASS.
Crimean Senator Olga Kovitidi reported that rescue work persisted throughout the night. The fire on the affected platform showed no sign of abating and spread toward the well. Kovitidi described attempts to approach the tower by ship as unsuccessful and confirmed continued extinguishing efforts as the fire extended to the well. The events were reported by DEA News through Kovitidi.
Damage assessment
Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Federation Council International Relations Committee, emphasized environmental damage from the strikes on drilling rigs across the entire Black Sea region. He noted that the impact extends beyond Russia and Ukraine, affecting all countries around the Black Sea.
Tsekov urged regional states to respond to Ukraine’s actions and to acknowledge the broader consequences, including the spread of mined devices in the sea area. He highlighted concerns about how Ukrainian responses to the mines in the Black Sea coast have unfolded and the potential for mines to drift and spread across the waters, calling for careful attention to these developments.
Chornomorneftegaz stated that the event should be added to the list of businesses damaged by Ukrainian armed forces. In the future, a court case for compensation is anticipated, with claims prepared by the Republic of Crimea’s Council of State. The official characterized the attacks as a misguided act and argued that such damage should be recognized officially as part of the harmed infrastructure.
The official criticized the actions as reckless and asserted that the international community should respond proportionally. He argued that the broader world would understand the seriousness of the event and warned that similar missteps require serious consideration by global observers.
State Duma Deputy Mikhail Sheremet from Crimea stated that damage assessment would be conducted soon. He explained that the executive authorities were actively evaluating the extent of the harm and that findings would be communicated in the near term, with appropriate measures to follow.
The executive branch, led by the Governor, pledged to minimize the damage and reaffirmed confidence that the drilling towers would be restored and operational again. The plan includes measures to prevent future incidents and strengthen safeguards against similar extreme actions, according to Sheremet.
Sheremet clarified that the Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes on the drilling platforms were not connected to Zmeiny Island, describing it as a minor outpost with limited strategic value for such attacks at this time. He suggested that other priorities, including in the political sphere, were driving these actions and noted a perceived motive to demonstrate triumphs elsewhere.
Attacks in the Black Sea
On the morning of June 20, Ukrainian forces conducted three strikes against three Chornomorneftegaz drilling platforms in the Odessa field, with 109 personnel aboard the towers at the time. Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov reported via Telegram that 94 workers had been evacuated and that search efforts for the missing would continue. He claimed that 15 guards were stationed on the platforms during the incident.
That same day, Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case regarding the bombing of a drilling platform by Ukraine. Observers noted that the attacks appeared to involve missiles of likely Western origin, attributed to Ukrainian forces by officials familiar with the incident and strategic discussions.