Satellites detect new oil slick near Russian port of Taganrog

The spot extends 4–6 km in the northeast, east and southeast directions from the port.

Satellite images have recorded a new oil slick near the port of Taganrog. Sentinel-1 radar survey data are dated July 20, 2026, writes the head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, Petro Andryuschenko.

The pollution extends approximately 4–6 km in the northeast, east and southeast directions. The optical image of Planet confirms that the densest part of the spot is located directly in the port area.

It is the radar survey that gives a more accurate picture of the scale of the spill. It captures even thin oil films that may remain invisible in optical images.

Analysts see this as an indicator of the state of Russian port infrastructure in the Sea of ​​Azov. After a series of strikes on military and logistical facilities, incidents of water pollution are being recorded more and more often. However, the final cause of the appearance of this particular stain has not been established, so there is no reason to link it to a specific event without additional evidence.

A separate problem is Russia’s reaction. According to the monitoring, it is not only not taking measures to eliminate fuel leaks from the affected vessels, but is also officially covering up the fact of the pollution itself.

As USM reported, earlier in the Odesa port, an exercise was held to practice actions in the event of a spill of pollutants