The Black Sea resort of Odesa has been experiencing sweltering 30C conditions – with many locals drawn to the shores to cool off despite Vladimir Putin’s bombardment of the city
At least three people have been killed after setting off sea mines that had drifted too close to tourist beaches in Ukraine.
The horrific double explosion saw at least three beachgoers killed near Zatoka beach in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.
In recent weeks, the Black Sea resort has been seeing searing temperatures of around 30C, leading locals and tourists alike to descend on the city’s beaches to cool off. It comes after Putin warns of nuclear war after unleashing another night of hell on Ukraine.
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But their refreshing dip turned into tragedy when two of the explosives detonated under the water, creating apocalyptic scenes on the beach.
In the historic city, where brave locals try to continue their daily lives despite Vladimir Putin’s bombs raining down on them, the beaches had previously been closed off until restrictions were lifted recently.
Local news outlet Dumskaya reports the victims were a woman and two men who were swimming when the two explosive devices exploded around 165ft from shore. Odesa regional chief Oleh Kiper confirmed: “All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation.”
The Russian army has been relying on sea mines to attack Ukrainian shipping vessels in the Black Sea after Moscow suffered heavy naval losses at the start of the conflict To defend themselves, Ukraine has deployed its own mines to prevent Russia launching amphibious assaults.
The Black Sea, which lies on the coasts of both countries, is particularly dangerous for bathers – with unexploded mortars and aerial bombs found in addition to the sea mines.
The mines can be dislodged by strong currents, heavy rainfall and shifting tides, with them being known to drift towards the shoreline.
Rallying behind Ukraine, European allies have called for Ukraine to be included in an upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The meeting – which is due to take place next Friday – is being held for Trump and Putin to find a way to end the war, according to the US president.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky thanked European allies in a post on X, writing on Sunday: “The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people.