The Day Tankers Split in Kerch Waters

The morning began with reports of drone incidents across Russian regions, including claimed interceptions over the Black Sea. By midday, attention shifted dramatically to an unfolding maritime disaster in the Kerch Strait, where two oil tankers carrying mazut were damaged in severe weather. Initial reports of a captain's death were later reversed.

The disaster's coverage intensified through afternoon, with Putin establishing emergency response measures and Mishustin forming a crisis working group. Environmental concerns emerged as oil products leaked into the water. Eleven crew members were hospitalized, two in serious condition.

In parallel developments, Russian media reported advances in Kurakhovo, where they claim to control 80% of the city, and covered drone attacks on security facilities in Grozny. Trump team's reported openness to Orban's Ukraine ceasefire initiative gained increasing attention by evening.