Last summer, there was an intense atmosphere of fear and anticipation on the beaches of Odesa, Ukraine. Volunteers were working hard to prepare for a potential Russian amphibious assault, while the threat of war loomed. This year, however, things were supposed to be different. With the arrival of June, the sun was shining, the sea was calm, and Ukrainians were eager to enjoy the beaches, despite an official ban on swimming. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when the Kakhovka dam was destroyed. The subsequent flooding caused extensive damage to towns, villages, and farmlands across southern Ukraine. The floods brought debris, including landmines, into the Black Sea, polluting its waters and posing a threat to coastal communities. The border guard agency of Ukraine described the situation as an “ecocide” and warned of the devastating consequences. As a result, the local government of Odesa prohibited swimming at all beaches in the city, citing health concerns. Attempts were made to install protective nets to catch drifting naval mines, but they have proven to be ineffective against the overwhelming amount of waste and pollutants that are washing ashore. Recently, there have been instances of mines being discovered on Odesa’s beaches, posing a grave danger to unsuspecting individuals. The destruction of the dam has dealt yet another blow to Odesa, a city that already faces numerous challenges, including Russian missile strikes and a blocked port. The loss of access to the sea is particularly devastating for the city, which has always been a popular seaside destination. Despite the hardships, the people of Odesa are determined to revive their city and regain some semblance of normalcy. For now, however, the beaches remain closed, and the future of another beach summer looks bleak.
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