Two Kyiv lakes contaminated with oil products after Russian attack – photos, video

- 3 July, 07:50
Water samples being taken from a lake. Photo: Kyiv City Military Administration's Department for Environmental Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change

Oil pollution has been detected in the Opechen lake system in Kyiv's Obolonskyi district following an overnight Russian missile and drone attack on the capital on 2 July.

Source: Kyiv City Military Administration press service; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The pollution affects the Kyrylivske and Yordanske lakes. Oil products were also found on the surface of the Syrets River where it flows into Lake Kyrylivske.

Water from a lake
Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Early reports indicate that the pollution was caused by damage to an industrial facility near the lakes during the attack.

Oil-absorbing containment booms being installed
Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

"To prevent the pollution from spreading further, State Emergency Service personnel have installed oil-absorbing containment booms at the outlet of Lake Kyrylivske. Similar booms are also planned for the Syrets River," Kyiv City Military Administration's Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation said.

A lake
Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Employees from the municipal enterprise Pleso had inspected the affected water bodies and begun assessing their environmental condition. Water samples were taken from the Syrets River, Lake Kyrylivske and the point where water flows into the Dnipro River, while the State Environmental Inspectorate has also been notified.

Water samples being taken from a lake
Photo: Kyiv City Military Administration's Department for Environmental Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change

"Once the laboratory test results are available, the next set of measures to address the effects of the pollution and restore the ecological condition of the water bodies will be determined," Kyiv City Military Administration said.

The city authorities also reminded residents that swimming in Kyrylivske and Yordanske lakes is prohibited. Until the water's chemical condition returns to normal, residents are also urged to avoid approaching the lakes and to refrain from any contact with the water.

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