In Mykolaiv region, a large-scale spill of sunflower oil occurred as a result of a Russian strike on the oil extraction plant of the agricultural holding Kernel. The contamination covered more than 3,500 square meters of land.

The Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine reported this on November 13 [link].

According to the ministry, a Russian drone attacked the Bandurka oil extraction plant, located in the village of Bandurka, Pervomaisky district, Mykolaiv region, on the morning of November 12.

As a result of the strike, four sunflower oil tanks were damaged, one of which was completely destroyed. The strike also damaged the protective earthen dike designed to prevent the liquid from spreading beyond the production site.

Because of the destruction of the protective structures, sunflower oil leaked onto the adjacent land plot. At the same time, as specified by the ministry, there is no threat to residential buildings.

Specialists of the State Environmental Inspection of the South-Western District went to the enterprise to inspect the territory and document the consequences of the Russian attack.

Based on the inspection, contamination of more than 3,500 square meters of land resources was established. Inspectors collected soil samples for instrumental laboratory tests.

As of 12:00 on Friday, November 13, no direct entry of sunflower oil into water bodies was recorded.

Work continues at the enterprise to pump out the spilled oil. At the same time, specialists are constructing additional earthen barriers that should prevent the further spread of contamination and the entry of oil into water bodies.

The extent of environmental damage has not yet been determined. The Ministry of Economy explained that it will be calculated after receiving the results of laboratory tests and processing the inspection materials.

The agricultural holding Kernel is one of the largest Ukrainian producers and exporters of sunflower oil. Earlier, on November 12, the company reported the suspension of its oil extraction plants due to Russian attacks on food industry enterprises.

The scale of product losses directly at the Bandurka plant and the recovery time for the damaged facilities have not yet been specified.